How to Have Productive Political Discussions With Anyone

November 1, 2020 by Sydney Skow

This year has been an interesting one, to say the least. And with the United States Presidential Election only two days away, 2020 is only going to get more intriguing. It remains extremely important to engage in discussions about politics and the future of our country during the days and weeks surrounding the election. 

“Politics affect everybody — nobody is exempt from the political process and even if you’re not involved, it affects you,” Lauren Buckley, Cal Poly Democrats co-president, explained. “Being aware of that and acknowledging that these issues affect you, your family, friends and community is crucial.”

However, many may find it intimidating, or even futile, to discuss political issues with friends or family, especially if they have conflicting beliefs. These conversations are difficult, but can lead to significant progress.

Simply put, talking about politics with anyone is no easy task. Even if a person agrees completely, there are an array of factors that can make it difficult for them to fully express their opinions. It’s also essential to recognize that conversations about the future of the United States are a stressor for many.

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) study Stress in America 2020 found that, “following the death of George Floyd, more than eight in 10 Americans (83 percent) say the future of our nation is a significant source of stress.” The majority of Americans, regardless of their political affiliation, are concerned about the country’s future. 

The election will likely elicit a number of discussions about the candidates and president-elect which could potentially become emotional. The key to productive conversations is an effective approach that specifically hones in on honest, respectful and educational discussions. Having open conversations about politics can even start a domino effect. 

 “Just by having one good political conversation, it makes it easier to have more political conversations in the future,” Buckley said. “It makes both parties more open.”

Political debates can also bring about a number of adverse effects when they go awry, despite the potential benefits of productive ones. Cal Poly communications professor Bethany Conway has spent much of her professional life studying political incivility. Her research team recently collected and analyzed data on the subject for the University of Arizona’s National Institute for Civil Discourse. 

“Throughout our research, we viewed the negative effects of incivility in political discussions,” Conway said. “We see higher levels of cynicism, higher levels of distrust, higher levels of polarization and an inability to reach a consensus or compromise.”

Conway explained, however, that these possible negatives shouldn’t discourage conversation.  

“Debating the issues is an important aspect of democracy,” she said. “We have to be able to debate the issues; otherwise, we aren’t going to get anywhere.”

Essentially, no progress can be made until people begin to engage in robust political discussions, despite where they may stand on the political spectrum.

The question that remains is: how can people have good and productive political conversations? A culmination of research and shared experiences from involved members of the field share these important steps: 

Be open and ready to listen.

 Generation Z is passionate, educated and prepared to debate their political beliefs as well as strong and willing to fight for what we believe in. This can be admirable, but can also be used as a crutch when called on to listen and conversate rather than argue. The ability to engage in a respectful and honest discussion requires an open mind and a willingness to consider a different perspective. Buckley learned the importance of taking this first step while working in politics in Springfield, Illinois. 

“Many people are very used to just being shut down when talking about certain political topics, so just being friendly is a great start,” Buckley explained. “Further, making the other person feel validated, heard and in a space where they are not going to be attacked for sharing their opinion  opens up a more productive conversation.”

“They will be more willing to listen to your side as well if you’re willing to show them that this conversation is not an argument with no end.”

This may prove difficult if speaking with someone with whom you strongly disagree, but it’s an important step that will engage both parties and begin the search for a solution. 

Find common ground

It’s helpful to establish common views before delving into the more complex aspects of a topic. While every individual has a unique perspective, the two parties may share fundamental beliefs. For example, on the topic of health care, both parties may agree that all Americans should be offered affordable and quality health care services that will not cause them extreme financial distress. The two parties, however, slightly disagree when it comes to specific health care policies and their implementation 

“When we first start out a political conversation, it’s good to recognize how much common ground we can find. Then, you can go further by discussing different aspects of the issue,” Rob Moore, Cal Poly Democrats co-president, explained. “These different aspects are building blocks to a bridge between your opinions.”

Show respect throughout the conversation.

Conway’s research emphasized that respect is an important part of discussion. Her research team collected data according to the opinions and perspectives of the general public. They were able to identify specific actions or expressions that the majority of Americans find uncivil in political discussions.

 “There are things that we say — name-calling, vulgarity, mocking an opponent — and then there are things that we do,” she said. “You can actually shut the other person down, preventing other people from having their voices heard.

“In order for us to have true democratic deliberations and to move in any way toward solutions, the first thing that we have to consider is: what harmful words am I using? How are my vocabulary or actions working to shut down the conversation and prevent us from having a degree of dialogue?””

Respect is present in the discussion when both parties avoid uncivil actions and words. Participants, by being civil and respectful, are able to remain on topic and explain their opinions thoroughly. Additionally, citing accurate and reliable sources and evidence as well as avoiding blatant misinformation for your claim is seen as extremely important.

“Americans do think that deception is uncivil,” Conway explained. “When you engage in a political conversation, you need to know your facts.”

Understand that you may not change their opinion 

One open conversation about politics is likely not enough to cause a major change of opinion. A number of experiences, biases and learned behaviors contribute to an individual’s political beliefs — this will not transform overnight. The specific difference of opinions from one generation to the next is important to consider here. Whether looking at the job approval rates for past presidents or the intersections of religion and morale, Generation Z and Millennial opinions are vastly different from those of Generation X and Baby Boomers.

   Moore emphasized that it’s important to discuss politics with older generations so they can gain insight into the younger generations’ concerns and, ultimately, think more critically about policies and their effects on future generations. Though older generations may not change their opinion on a topic, they might evaluate their beliefs in a different light. Moore explained this as “appreciating a [different] perspective, even if we may not fully understand it.” 

Recognize when it’s time to end the conversation

 Many enter political conversations with the best intentions but may leave feeling upset or blinded. It’s crucial to recognize instances of incivility and disrespect in a discussion and decide whether or not you’d like to continue speaking on the topic. Unfortunately, an uncivil political conversation can lead to worse consequences than just a disagreement. 

 “If a family member is being uncivil in a conversation and attacking you, a level of distrust is developed,” Conway said. “Oftentimes, this can blend into other areas of our lives beyond politics.”

Mental and emotional health can be tested during debates on sensitive topics. Not everyone is prepared to have a respectful, open discussion — don’t be completely deterred from having these conversations, but use the best judgment about whether to see them through.

Despite these tips, many researchers of political incivility and debate assure citizens that there is a time and place for incivility in political discussions. 

“[Incivility] has an important role in our democracy — historically, it’s the only way that traditionally marginalized groups have been heard,” Conway said. “There are places where incivility does play a role.”

There isn’t room for debate on human rights when discussing racism, sexism and homophobia. People must educate themselves and others on these issues as well as address instances of discrimination because understanding these matters and how to combat them is central to being an active and responsible U.S. citizen. However, when discussing economic issues or political leaders’ decisions on policy, this outline to approaching political discussions is certainly helpful.

In the weeks following the 2020 United States Presidential Election, whatever the outcome may be, be sure to remember these steps while navigating the imminent discussions about the country’s next president-elect. Encouraging challenging conversations is key to inspiring progress.