Angry hostile people are difficult to communicate with
How to communicate effectively with angry hostile people is a problem many people struggle with.
It is not easy speaking with angry hostile people.
You could become frustrated trying to make angry hostile people listen and understand your point of view.
While you are trying to explain your point, the angry hostile person would be shouting, intimidating and not listening.
You might get carried away by emotions and respond by shouting back or even hitting him or her.
Many people struggle with questions like,
• How to present their message without offending angry hostile people.
• The right way to communicate with angry hostile people.
• Why it is difficult to make angry hostile people listen.
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Share interesting ideas or information when you communicate with angry hostile people
Angry hostile people will listen to you if what you are telling them is interesting and concerns them. Make your message simple, easy to understand and interesting.
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Your initial approach should be to make angry hostile people friendly
Some topics are confusing and difficult to understand or accept. Certain religious doctrines, for instance, are difficult to understand by the non-believer. A prejudiced listener may close his or her mind and may not want to listen. He or she may even become angry when you discuss such topics. Especially if he or she believes your doctrine or view may pollute his or her mind. Abraham Lincoln said, “I conquer my enemies when I make them my friends.” So make the hostile listener a friendly one.
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Encourage angry hostile people to engage in dialogue in a peaceful way
Create a peaceful atmosphere with your angry hostile listener. That can make the angry hostile listener friendly. A friendly person can listen to people express their views.
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Have an idea of the mind of the angry hostile people you are sharing your views with
Is the person defending a belief? This will become clear as you engage him or her in the dialogue.
Is the listener interested in knowing the truth? Or is he or she covering up the inefficiencies or weakness of a belief?
Does he or she have prejudices and misconceptions about the issue you are discussing? You can notice that from the body language and how he or she opposes you. -
Let them feel involved; let them participate
Do not shut angry hostile people off. Ask questions that will lead to the answers you are providing. The questions you ask will help encourage them to participate in the discussion. Elicit direct responses from them.
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Be ready for negative or violent reactions from angry hostile people
Be cool and smile while you are discussing. But do not be sarcastic with your smile. And do not forget to be friendly and respectful. Aim at convincing angry hostile people that your solution or view is relevant. Do not compromise the truth, but do not make angry hostile people feel that you think their ideas are silly.
“The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness,” (Proverbs 15:2; NKJV).
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Make angry hostile people conscious of the problem associated with their views
It will help prod him or her to consider your solution or line of argument. But don’t provoke or be sarcastic.
He or she may need time to see your point. Goad him or her patiently with questions that will make him or her to seek clarification or information. Address your listener’s need, and create expectations for him or her. Make your listener want to learn more.
Do not engage in useless arguments
A lot of talking will not convince your listener.
When he or she is talking, stop and listen. None of you will be listening to the other when both of you are talking at the same time. Don’t turn a discussion into an argument.
Learn to make angry hostile people like what you share with them. Make them love your acquaintance. They will love to listen to you when they are comfortable being with you.
Remember to portray your cause as a good one when you engage people in a discussion.
If your attitude is angry, violent or evil, people will see same in what you are presenting.
Use positive and loving ways to proclaim your cause. That will make angry hostile people want to listen to you.
Excerpted from
“Persuasion Is Better Than Force,” and “How To make people (Friendly or Hostile) Listen to You.”
You may also want to read, “Conquering Without Being Violent.”