Correcting A Person With A Wrong Idea

Finding a suitable (and respectful) way to correct a person with a wrong idea is something everyone should learn to do. After all, fake news abounds, which means that it is very easy to take them as 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 important to assume that everyone makes mistakes. This is an exercise in humility because it is true. But if it is difficult for you to assume that error is human, it will be more difficult to convince others of misconceptions they may have. How can you do that without leading to a discussion? Is there a strategy to make a person aware that a certain idea is wrong without it leading to tensions and negative emotions that often escalate?

You can say that it is a matter of tact, but it takes more than being knowledgeable and able to correct. You have to do it in an intelligent way. This is because you need to be prepared to acknowledge that there is a good chance that you are the one who is wrong.

After all, it is about knowing how to pave the way for dialogue where respectful communication can flourish. A dialogue where ideas can flow and the discussion maintains a calm tone.

Strategies for correcting a person with a wrong idea

Everyone wants to be right. Defending one’s own truth is a virus that affects the entire world’s population. Most people stick to their ideas like a sail to the mast and the flame to a match. You might assume that for many, having mistakes is a weakness. Thus, few feel comfortable making mistakes or hearing that they are wrong.

Have you ever felt that you had to correct a person with a “wrong” idea? For example, it is common for people to be very close to you. It often happens after going through the same experiences yourself. Most people remember it in a certain way, but there are always some who remember it  differently.

Your partner, dad or best friend may be confused about certain dates or situations. Thus, you will try to tell them that it did not happen as they said. If you do not do it right, you could end up in an argument.

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

Everyone has been through such a situation. And admit it, you want to be able to cope better and with greater success. So keep reading to find out some ways to do it.

Start with something positive, without emphasizing the mistake

When it comes to correcting a person who is holding a wrong idea, you should not start with expressions like “What you are saying is not true”, “It is not completely true”, or “What you are doing is wrong”. Such phrases will only put the person in defense as soon as you start talking.

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

To correct a person who has a wrong idea, remember your voice

When you correct someone and point out wrong or wrong approaches, it is quite easy to use an authoritarian, ironic or confrontational tone almost instinctively. You must avoid doing this as best you can.

Underline your arguments with facts

When it comes to correcting a person with a wrong idea, do not start by saying that you are the one who is right. This is because truth without facts does not matter as there is not enough data to support it. Only smoke can easily escape through a window.

To show that you are right, you must do so with solid arguments. To do so, you need to communicate confidently and provide detailed, objective information. In addition, it is important that you listen empathetically so that you can answer correctly.

Assume that you will not always be able to convince the other person of a wrong idea

You will not always be able to convince another person that they are wrong. When it comes to correcting a person, keep in mind that some people are not interested in seeing things from your point of view. This occurs, for example, in cases that are complicated and special. As if you are defending creationism, certain cults or are against the use of medication.

There are facts some people just can not understand. And they occur every day because you have to deal with stated values ​​and religions. As you can see, fanaticism and ideological misconceptions are quite difficult to debate. Pointing out the mistakes 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 and other simpler cases, such as those related to false memories and where the interlocutor insists on defending his position. Remember that you live in a world where every person defends their point of view.

Try to have calm, intelligent arguments as much as possible. This is the only way you can be successful and confident. Thus, just drop it if you do not get anywhere. This is because it is best to withdraw unscathed, without the major emotional consequences.