To encourage civil discourse when someone is responding defensively, the two best strategies are:
-
Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in their perspective by listening without interrupting. Acknowledge their feelings and concerns, which can help to reduce defensiveness and open the door for a more constructive dialogue.
-
Use "I" Statements: When expressing your own thoughts or feelings, frame them as "I" statements rather than "you" statements. For example, saying "I feel concerned about this issue" instead of "You are wrong about this" can help to prevent the other person from feeling attacked and promote a more respectful conversation.
These approaches can help create a more open and understanding environment for discussion.