Change the Question, Change the Argument
“Ever been in an argument that felt like you were stuck in a never-ending loop, or like banging your head against a brick wall?”
Here’s the thing—sometimes, the problem isn’t what we’re saying, but how we’re asking.
Instead of firing off statements that put people on the defensive such as “Why would you even say that?” or “You’re completely wrong!”
Changing these questions can shift the tone and open up the conversation:
“Did you mean for it to come across that way?”
“What makes you feel so strongly about that?”
“What do you want me to take away from this?”
A simple tweak in wording can take an argument from a dead end to a real discussion. It’s not about letting things slide—it’s about actually getting somewhere instead of just butting heads.
Next time things start getting heated, try changing the question. You might be surprised at how fast the energy shifts.
“How do you keep a tough conversation on track?
Share your tips in the comments!”
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