Techniques that work
None of these are about winning. They're about staying in the conversation, and staying close.
Relationship first
Reconnect before you debate. The relationship comes first, and politics can wait.
Looping
Listen, say back what you heard, and keep going until they say “Yes, exactly.”
LAPP
Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, Perspective: four steps for sharing your view without a fight.
Curious questions
Ask because you want to know, not to trap them.
Stories, not stats
Share experiences, not statistics. A story invites people in.
The agreed pause
Agree on a signal ahead of time for when you both need a break.