Instead
of always telling the other person the right answer,
try asking them for the answer.
Questions make people think. And it's amazing how often people
will come up with the libertarian answer if you give them a chance
to think an issue over. When someone comes up with the answer
themselves instead of being told, they are more likely to claim
the idea for themselves.
Here's one example we learned from former Wall Street Journal
editor John Fund. Suppose someone is talking about the need for
a major government role in providing for the poor.
Instead of lecturing the person (which could start an argument
and put the person on the defensive), try this question: "Suppose
you won the lottery and came into a large sum of money. You want
to help the poor. You could give $100,000 to a private charity
of your choice, such as Habitat for Humanity. Or you could write
your check to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Which would you choose -- and why?" >CONTINUED
AT TOP OF NEXT COLUMN
|
As
John Fund notes, virtually no one will ever choose the government
agency! And no wonder. When people think about a group like
Habitat for Humanity, they think of compassion and effectiveness.
When they think of the Department of Health and Human Services,
they think of corruption and failure.
In answering your question, people convince themselves
of the advantages of private charity over government.
Which proves that sometimes the way to arrive at to the right
answer is to simply ask the right question.
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SUGGESTION:
For similar insightful communications tips from Sharon Harris
and other experts, listen to the audio recording, "Best
Communication Techniques," and offered by the Advocates
for Self-Government. |
