5 Useful Tips to Open A Closed Mind

Today, we have a guest post by Sarah Jacobs. More information about her will be given below.

Once in a while, we encounter people who have a different opinion from us. That’s normal, since no one can really agree or please everyone. However, if the other person’s opinion is based on a wrong fact, a fallacy, or just an entirely wrong premise, many of us start grinding our teeth in disapproval.
The worst part is, once you try to explain that he/she is on the wrong side, they immediately take on a defensive stand and quickly become aggressive – insisting that he/she is right and that he/she is entitled to that opinion. This is familiar for people who have involved themselves in a winding Internet debate. Even if Google is just a click away, some people simply refuse to see the facts and insist on their own opinion – even if that is based on fake news and unverified information.
Disagreements with a closed mind can also happen in the office or within your own social circle. Sometimes, your boss just does not support an idea – no matter how brilliant it is. A friend, despite your constant advice and reminder, still got himself sucked up into an investment group which is clearly a Ponzi scheme. Close-minded people can be a source of frustration, and most of the time, they only learn the lesson when it is already too late. However, if you still care enough to help close-minded people realize their mistake and open their mind, here are a few tips:
1. Don’t make them feel threatened.
Most closed-minded people will feel attacked if you come across as too passionate and strong about what you have to say. This will cause them to be in the defensive, and as a result, they are more likely inclined to not change their minds. Although it is normal to flame up especially if you know that the other person is wrong, it is important to remain calm and conversational as much as possible. Ask them questions, and listen first.
2. Explain everything in simple language.
The last thing you need is language barrier getting in the way of your message. Like communicating itself, the best way to persuade people is to use common language. This works for people who are close-minded too. You want them to listen and understand you, not come across as an intimidating, jargon-laden speaker.
3. If you are going to present facts, do it in charts.
Facts can also be hard to understand especially if they are presented in unfamiliar ways. So if ever you want to change someone’s mind through facts, try to present them through charts, pies and graphs. That way, you get to explain your point more easily, and they will understand it more.
4. Use relevant analogies.
Sometimes, when facts just don’t cut it, you have to paint a clearer picture for that other person’s mind. Use an analogy that is easily relatable to him/her. Relate it to his/her profession, his/her role in life and his/her aspirations and dreams.
5. When all else fails, let experience be their teacher.
When you have done everything just to explain things to the other person patiently, but they still remain stubborn, then just let it go and allow them to cling into their own beliefs or opinions. People learn throughout life and experiences anyway, and it is best to leave them with their own discoveries and self-realizations.
Lastly, avoid stressing over people who don’t want to listen even when they are wrong. Ultimately, it is their loss if they don’t want to learn or open their minds early on. Mistakes through experience are more costly, but it is a more effective wake-up call for people who are close-minded.

Sarah Jacobs is an experienced writer who loves creating articles that can benefit others. She has worked as a freelance writer in the past making informative articles and fascinating stories. She has extensive knowledge in a variety of fields such as technology, business, finance, marketing, personal development, and more.
Find out more about her company here: http://www.lea-p.com/