How not to pursuade people.

Insulting your opposition will NEVER bring them around to your point of view. It cements them against you - Shar McBee

It is amazing how many people and organizations do not understand this simple truth. Politicians (pretty self explanatory), The Evangelical Church (abortion and gay rights to name two), foreign dictators (Iran, North Korea and Venezuela all come to mind).

If you want to get your opposition to come around to your point of view the first step is to stop thinking of them as your opposition. Spend some time getting to know them, maybe even do something nice for them. You'll probably be surprised to find out you have many things in common with them, and once you find some common ground you will be able to begin constructively discussing (not fighting about) your differences.

What about you? How do you deal with your opposition?