To Correct A Person Who Has A Wrong Opinion

Finding an appropriate (and respectful) way to correct a person who maintains a misconception is something everyone should learn to do. After all, fake news is present in abundance. It is very easy to consider them to be facts.

What is really complex, and what you should fight against, is the  disease that affects so many people in the world: the need to be right.

It is essential to assume that everyone is making mistakes. It is an exercise in humility because it is true. But if it is difficult for you to assume that it is human to make mistakes, then you will have a harder time convincing others of their misconceptions.

How can you do that without leading to a discussion? Is there a strategy to make a person aware that a particular perception is wrong without leading to tensions and negative emotions that often escalate?

One can say that it is about situational awareness. In fact, it is about far more than having knowledge and being able to correct. However, one must do it intelligently. This is because you need to be prepared to acknowledge that it is quite likely that you are the one who is wrong on it.

After all, it’s about knowing how to pave the way for dialogue where respectful and confident communication can flourish. A dialogue in which perceptions can flow and arguments maintain an appropriate tone.

Strategies to correct a person who maintains a misconception

Everyone wants to be right. Defending one’s own truth is a virus that affects the entire population of the world. Most people cling to their perceptions like a sail to its mast and like fire in a battle. You may assume that, for many, failure is a sign of weakness. Therefore, there are few people who feel comfortable making mistakes or hearing that they are wrong.

Have you ever felt that you had to correct someone who maintained a “wrong” view? For example, it is common for people to be close to you. For example, it happens when most people remember something in a certain way, even after going through the same experiences, but that there is always someone with “false memories”.

Your partner, father or best friend may be confused about certain dates or situations. Therefore, you will try to tell them that it did not happen the way they say it did. If you do not do it right, a discussion will ensue.

Here is an example of a context in a workplace. Have you ever had to make a colleague realize that what he said was not true or true?

Everyone has been through one of these situations. And admit that you would like to be able to handle them more successfully. Therefore, read on to find out some ways you can do this.

Start with something positive, without highlighting the flaw

When it comes to correcting a person who maintains a misconception, do not start with expressions such as “What you are saying is not true”, “It is not quite right” or “Look, you are doing it wrong”. Such phrases will simply put the person in front of you in a defensive position as soon as you start talking.

It’s a much better idea to use persuasive skills and discuss things more intimately, and approach them as positively as you can. For example, “Yes, it’s true, we went to this city, and it’s also true that we lived in a pretty old hostel. You’re right about that. However, your brother was not on the trip because he was still working on… ”

Pay attention to your tone of voice when correcting someone who maintains a misconception

When you correct someone, and point out their mistakes or wrong approaches,  it’s pretty easy to use an authoritarian, ironic, or confrontational voice almost instinctively. You need to avoid this as much as you can.

Back up your arguments with data

When it comes to correcting a person who maintains a misconception, do not start by saying that you are the one who is right. This is because the truth without backing does not matter as there is not enough data to support it. It’s just smoke and it can easily escape through a window.

Therefore, in order to show, without coercion, that you are right, you must do this with good arguments. To do this, you need to communicate confidently and provide detailed, objective information. Furthermore, it is essential that you listen empathetically so that you can respond appropriately. 

Assume that you will not always be able to convince the other person

Yes, you will not always be able to convince another person that he or she is wrong about something. Therefore, when it comes to correcting a person who maintains a misconception, you should assume that some people are not interested in seeing things from your point of view.

This arises, for example, with cases as complex as those that defend creationism or certain cults, or those that are against the use of medicine.

There are facts that some people just may not understand. And they occur every day because you are faced with certain sets of values ​​and religions. As you can see, fanaticism and ideological misconceptions are quite difficult to debate. Pointing out the flaws of those who protect themselves with myths is as complex as it is annoying.

Acceptance is the only thing you can offer in light of these situations. This is also the case in other simpler ones such as those related to false memories. And those where your interlocutor insists on defending his situation. Remember that you live in a world where everyone defends their own point of view. 

Try to have calm, intelligent discussions as much as possible. It’s the only way you will be successful and confident. Thus, just let go if you are not getting anywhere. This is because it is best to withdraw wholeheartedly with the least possible emotional cost.