It is easy and eagerly tempting to convey a positive message in a world of negativity and fear. However, you have to be logical and strategic to be successful in doing so, rather than simply being sneaky. Being sneaky does not necessarily translate to being smart.
Let’s break this down from the failed attempt of one determined apricot-colored pony.
Firstly, know the audience and the environment. Place yourself where the mood is mild and thus manageable. It is unwise to crash an event that is promoting the opposing ideas. Not only do you have to deal with the disappointment and anger from those holding the event, but you are also outnumbered in the battle of debating/arguing which idea holds the truth. Either through being overshot in verbal noise (or through other shenanigans, depending on what the event is about which you failed to consider in your zealous pursuit), you are only going to make a clown of yourself and thereby push people further away from your ideas.
Secondly, wording is key. The ideas may be right, but the execution makes or breaks the appeal. The initial introduction needs to be done properly – again, back to point 1. Asking a question is a good way to engage the audience, but instead of asking if they feel a certain way, inquire how they feel about the topic. If the opposition makes a claim that you know is wrong, challenge them to provide empirical evidence for their claims. Want to make firm, declarative statements? Back them up with concrete, self-evident truths. While it can be difficult with a “zombie audience” (i.e.: one that is stubbornly devoid of independent critical, rational thinking), it is not impossible to get them to understand if broken down to a few fundamental principles of behavior and psychology.
Thirdly, do not insult the opposing side. It serves no benefit to your cause and only fuels them to amplify their voice to outdo yours. Conversely, they may do the same to you, so as to belittle you and trivialize your thoughts and ideas in front of the audience. You need strategy via observation. If they’re focused on the harm, sympathize with their concerns and steer the solution towards your ideas. While encouraging the audience to imagine how things would be if your ideas were implemented, they have no reason or motivation to dream or think, as they are already brainwashed with the opposing ideas. You need to provide an incentive that touches them on a personally relatable level.
It’s also good to be humble, even when you’ve secured a win in the debate and the opposing side throws a hissy fit. Hold your cool, show gratitude and respect, and walk away. Give people time to reflect. Change comes gradually.
Hope this is of help to all those out there wishing to speak up. Practice with a group of friends to be prepared for the real deal. Let’s conduct ourselves with good, respectful behavior and wise wording when doing so.
Originally posted to Substack on November 17, 2022