How to talk to someone you disagree with
I spend a lot of time surfing the internet. A LOT. Much more than I should. Some of that time is spent writing comments to people I disagree with. Sometimes this isn’t the best of places, like comments on a video on YouTube.
I’m pretty pessimistic at this point that any of my comments have persuaded anyone or actually helped anyone. I think people just like to argue and not consider different opinions. However, in the off-chance someone might actually be persuaded, I put in my best effort.
One thing that people have a hard time doing is using the vocabulary of their opponent. This even applies to things such as different punctuation. For instance, in religious debates atheist will often not capitalize “God”. A religious person responding to them will sometimes even point this out as offensive. This gets nowhere, since it only gives the atheist more examples of how Christians are too hypersensitive or strange.
If you are a Christian and you debate with someone who doesn’t capitalize “God”, then for the sake of conversation compromise and don’t capitalize “god” as well. Then instead focus on the real issues of discussion.
The point is to compromise on the vocabulary. Instead of just using neutral language, take it one step further and use language your opponent uses. At least rhetorically it will give the appearance of some agreement.