A Holiday Tale: The Return

Family dinners shouldn’t be stressful. At ScienceUpFirst we want to give you the tools to have better difficult conversations.

Here are some tips:

Show empathy: It can be upsetting to see your values questioned. It can destabilize people (see our publication on cognitive dissonance and difficult conversations (1,2)).

Remember, the goal is to have a constructive conversation with the other person. Actively listen to their fears and needs to try and find common ground together. 

Not all situations are conducive to discussion. It’s often best to change the subject. Better to wait for a quiet moment during which you can talk to the person alone. This can help make them feel less attacked.

If the conversation goes well, don’t hesitate to ask if you can provide credible information. Remember to always ask their permission.

Be patient and remember that this is someone you care about and that change rarely happens in an instant!

Want more tips on how to talk about misinformation? Register for WTF?! Weigh the Facts on Health. In-person and online tickets are still available!