Why you should ask questions
“When you understand every opinion is a vision loaded with personal history, you will start to understand that all judgement is confession.” Nikola Tesla
You need to ask questions to understand the other’s story, their history, [DXW1] and their values. Their views come out of all of these. When you can understand, then you can have a productive conversation.
There is a political canvassing technique that has developed out of a similar idea, called Deep Canvassing. Unlike other canvassing techniques, this has been shown to have a durable effect on changing attitudes.
The basics are to ask about the other person’s story, and then (only after asking about theirs first) sharing your own experience.
Here’s a website that explains it in more detail. If we want change, we need to change. This is one way - to ask questions.
Yes, the Deep Canvas method is a good strategy for communication and connection. Activists or campaigners from both sides of the political perspective have used it. Doesn't matter anymore that It may have been born before the political discord of today and from a liberal viewpoint.
I love how the aim of Deep Canvas is to foster understanding, empathy, and a genuine exchange of ideas. It's about creating space for meaningful conversation and potentially changing attitudes through that process. This approach can be employed in service of a wide range of viewpoints, ideas, or policies. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of this method will always depend on honest and respectful conversation. Misuse, such as the spreading of misinformation, can damage trust and undermine the potential benefits of this approach.