My approach begins and ends with empathy. I ask questions to better understand your perspective. Then I address what I perceive as the root of a misunderstanding. Sometimes, I tell you. Other times, I ask a question so you find it yourself.
Sometimes, you might get angry and start making accusations, but I don't change my strategy. I take in the new information and continue without being inflammatory.
I don't get offended because personal attacks are more information. They tell me how and why you might be hurting or confused.
Sometimes, you make many points out of one. That's when I "zoom out" and address your mindset itself.
I avoid making accusations by speaking generally. I know my audience may be much larger than you. I take this opportunity to be as helpful as I can to as many bystanders as I can.
I try not to use ambiguous or confusing words or worn-out clichés. I try to re-read what I've written from your perspective. I am careful to avoid as many assumptions as I can.
I try to say what I mean the first time, but I will end up showing you many revisions.
I avoid telling you what you should believe, and instead I celebrate your free will.
If you don't agree with me by the end of the conversation, that's okay. I never intended to persuade you to adopt my point of view. My goal is only to understand your perspective as much as I can while offering the most lucid version of mine.
