What Vivek Ramaswamy, Billboard Chris, and Patrick Henry teach about shaping culture

8 influence principles you can apply in polarizing conversations

Imagine you are standing amid a defining moment in American history, not as a distant observer, but as a participant with much at stake. You, the skeptical loyalist dependent on British commerce, are in the crowded hall of St. John's Church in Richmond. It's March 23, 1775, a day that will demand you confront the very essence of your beliefs and fears.

You've witnessed the rising tensions with a mix of concern and disbelief.

The crackdown on free speech, the economic stranglehold, the military aggression - it gives you great pause. Revolution, the very word feels like a dangerous gamble, threatening the stability of everything you've built.

Patrick Henry steps forward, and you can't help but be drawn to his presence.

His voice, charged with a fervor you've seldom heard, cuts through the murmurs of the crowd.

Henry skillfully blends emotional appeals with irrefutable logic, intent on galvanizing support for revolution; his righteous cause is amplified by biblical metaphors casting liberty as a moral imperative.

When he speaks, his voice, imbued with a fervor both rare and profound, captures every ear. Question upon question rings out through the hall - challenging complacency, demanding to know if order outweighs freedom's call and if stability excuses complicity under the yoke of tyranny.

You feel the eyes of the men around you widening with dawning clarity, as though a collective veil is being lifted. Henry's logic is irrefutable, his passion is palpable, and his cause has become personal.

Any notion of clinging to stability is quenched when Henry declares, “Give me liberty or give me death!” with a conviction that sends a shiver down your spine. It is not just independence at stake, but the soul of a new nation.

What does liberty mean to you? It signifies the innate right of free expression and self-governance. But it also means instability, uncertainty, and disruption of all you have worked for.

As you exit the hall, your outlook transformed, you know neutrality is no longer an option. Though it may cost you greatly, you will add your voice to the growing chorus, take up arms if you must, to defend the cause of liberty as the just foundation of this fledgling nation. The time for half-measures has expired. You shall trade complacency for courage and take your place on the right side of history!

This scenario is based on Patrick Henry’s famous speech.

Fast forward to 2024. Another moment, another challenge to your beliefs. But what will this new encounter reveal about your convictions, and how will it reshape them?

You've always prided yourself on being an advocate for the marginalized, a stance deeply rooted in your own experiences of feeling misunderstood during your turbulent teenage years.

At the University of Pennsylvania, a gathering place for like-minded advocates and a community where your trans friends have found their voices, your belief in the necessity of gender-affirming care has been unwavering – until an unexpected encounter that challenged the core of your convictions.

You’re walking on campus when you hear angry shouts. You rush toward a crowd encircling a man wearing a sandwich board that reads, "Children can't consent to puberty blockers."

The students confronting him are enraged. "Bigot!" one screams, face mottled red. Others shake with sobs, accusing him of hatred. You feel a familiar surge of indignation, a reminder of your own struggles for acceptance.

But then, the man with the sandwich board, Chris, begins to engage with the crowd in a manner that catches you off guard. His approach is neither confrontational nor dismissive but marked by a sincerity that seems to cut through the chaos. Initially, you stand as a mere observer, but his words, sincere and probing, weave through your defenses. You find yourself drawn into the conversation, transitioning from an onlooker to a participant. As he speaks, a shift begins to stir within you.

Then locks eyes with you. "What does it mean for a girl to 'be' a boy?" he asks gently. Stunned silence follows. With compassion, he continues: "Children are beautiful as they are. If a girl is a tomboy and a boy is more effeminate, so be it."

Even after the crowd disperses, Chris' words echo in your mind, sowing seeds of doubt in your once unshakeable beliefs.

How can this man radiate compassion yet elicit such rage?

Over the next few weeks, your mind is a battleground. Old beliefs and newfound doubts clash, each revelation about puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones adding to the tumult.

The loss of fertility, lifetime dependence on artificial hormones, the weight of decisions made too young - how could you not see this before?

Your perspective has irrevocably shifted. The man you initially dismissed as a bigot has inadvertently become a catalyst for your enlightenment.

This scenario was inspired by Chris Elston’s appearance on the Megyn Kelly Show.

Later that night in Iowa, another confrontation awaits. But what unexpected truths will this clash uncover, and how will they reshape your understanding of a deeply personal issue?

In a packed Iowa room, your heart races with a blend of nerves and determination. You're there to challenge Vivek Ramaswamy on LGBTQ issues, a cause close to your heart. Anticipating a typical political clash, his response is unexpectedly engaging.

Ramaswamy doesn't simply rebut; he asks probing questions, steering the conversation toward deeper reflection. This shift from confrontation to contemplation makes you rethink your initial question.

Ramaswamy's authoritative demeanor, apparent in his words and presence, lends a persuasive edge to his arguments, subtly shaping their reception. His perspective, different from yours, is logically articulated, making it difficult to dismiss. When the topic turns to women's sports, you unexpectedly find common ground with Ramaswamy, illustrating that agreement is possible even in polarized debates.

As the event ends and you walk away with your friend, your mind buzzes with thoughts. The encounter challenged your assumptions, urging you to think beyond the binary of liberal versus conservative viewpoints. It's a reminder that understanding comes not just from affirming one's beliefs but also from engaging with differing perspectives.

This scenario is inspired by a campaign event with Vivek Ramaswamy.

Now, reflect on the scenes youve just witnessed. The power of influence is subtle, yet profound. What are the underlying principles at play here, and how can they be harnessed in your own conversations?

Whether it’s 1776 or 2014, the rules of changing people’s minds are timeless.

9 principles of influence you can use to change someone’s mind on an issue you care about

Influence Principle 1: Use Binary Oppositions

• Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech presents a clear choice between freedom and tyranny.
• Billboard Chris's message message, "Children can't consent to puberty blockers," forces a confrontation with the issue.

By presenting stark choices, you can elicit emotions like urgency, fear, or excitement, which are powerful in driving action and discussion. Review Cialdini’s contrast principle.

Influence Principle 2: Blend Logic and Emotion

• Henry's speech combines emotional appeals with logical arguments for revolution.
• Ramaswamy and Billboard Chris engage in LGBTQ and gender issues using a mix of emotional understanding and logical reasoning.

The balance between thoughtful reasoning and emotional resonance significantly enhances both the persuasiveness and shareability of your message. Review Jonah Berger: 6 Key STEPPS To Creating Contagious Content.

Influence Principle 3: Have Moral Conviction and Personal Responsibility

• Henry frames the revolution as the only moral choice, implying a responsibility to act. His sense of urgency is evident.“This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country.”
• Chris suggests a moral duty to consider the long-term impacts of puberty blockers on children.

In presenting these issues, they harness moral conviction to assert a sense of responsibility, compelling the audience to not only agree but also feel a personal duty to act. This approach often transforms passive agreement into active support, aligning moral beliefs with actions.

Influence Principle 4: Find Common Ground

• In the historical context with Patrick Henry, finding common ground was essential for rallying support for independence.
• Your discussion with Ramaswamy finds unexpected common ground on women's sports.
• Billboard Chris finds common ground by affirming that "Children are beautiful as they are," appealing to a universally accepted truth about the innocence and inherent worth of children.

Finding common ground involves identifying shared values or concerns. It can bridge divides and foster a more collaborative and less confrontational atmosphere in discussions on divisive topics. Review Jonah Berger’s, To Change People’s Minds, Start Small.

Influence Principle 5: “Surface the Cost of Inaction”

• Henry highlights the dangers of complacency in the face of tyranny, stating,"Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?"If they don’t take arms against the British, they risk being:chained;disarmed;humiliated; andundignified.
• Chris's message implies the potential harm to children from not carefully considering medical decisions.

Highlighting the cost of the status quo compels people to contemplate the negative consequences of not taking a stand. Review the endowment principle from Jonah Berger.

Influence Principle 6: Ask Questions Using the Socratic Method

• Henry uses questions (16 of them) to challenge complacency and provoke thought.
• Chris's question, "What does it mean for a girl to be a boy?" prompts introspection and discussion.

This approach engages the audience intellectually, encouraging them to explore underlying assumptions and arrive at their conclusions. Review the The Surprising Power of Questions.

Influence Principle 7: Reciprocate

• Despite facing hostility, Billboard Chris engages in meaningful discussions, showing respect and attentiveness, which often leads to more constructive interactions and reciprocal respect from others.
• Ramaswamy's thoughtful engagement on challenging topics invites open-mindedness in return.

Offering respect and understanding, even in disagreement, often leads others to reciprocate, creating a more productive dialogue. Review Cialdini’s seven principles.

P.S. When in doubt, wear a giant sandwich board with your message.

Influence Principle 8: "Reduce Reactance"

• Henry's speech allows listeners to come to their own conclusions about independence, as he subtly guides them with rhetorical questions and emotional appeals, saying

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?”

• Both Chris and Ramaswamy create a space for dialogue rather than confrontation, reducing resistance.

In applying this principle, as Jonah Berger suggests, creating an environment that minimizes opposition and encourages independent thinking can be more persuasive than direct arguments, reducing reactance and fostering open-mindedness.

P.S. When in doubt, wear a giant sandwich board with your message.

You have the principles. Now what?

It will involve implementing the Toolkit for Engaging in Dialogue on a Cultural Issue, which includes the following steps:

Toolkit for Engaging in Dialogue on a Cultural Issue

1. Identifying Your Issue and Personal Connection

• What specific issue are you passionate about?
• Why is this issue personally important to you?
• How does this issue affect you and others?

2. Preparing Strategic Questions (Socratic Method)

• What open-ended questions can you ask to encourage introspection about this issue?
• How can these questions challenge common assumptions in a non-confrontational way?
• What are some follow-up questions to deepen the discussion?

3. Anticipating and Addressing Pushback

• What are the common counterarguments or concerns related to your issue?
• How can you respectfully and logically address these counterarguments?
• What evidence or examples can you provide to counter these arguments effectively?

4. Blending Emotional and Logical Appeals

• What personal stories or anecdotes can you share to create an emotional connection?
• What logical arguments or data support your viewpoint?
• How can you balance emotional appeal with factual information to strengthen your case?

5. Finding Common Ground

• What are the shared values or concerns between you and your audience?
• How can you use these shared values to create a connection or understanding?
• What examples or scenarios can illustrate these commonalities?

6. Highlighting the Cost of Inaction

• What are the potential negative consequences of not addressing this issue?
• How can you articulate the urgency and importance of taking action?
• What historical or current examples can you use to illustrate these consequences?

7. Asserting Moral Conviction and Personal Responsibility

• How can you communicate the moral imperative of addressing this issue?
• What language can you use to convey a sense of personal and collective responsibility?
• How can you inspire your audience to align their actions with their moral beliefs?

8. Reciprocity and Respect in Conversation

• How can you ensure that you are listening actively and respectfully to others’ viewpoints?
• What techniques can you use to show understanding and validation of different perspectives?
• How can you create an environment of mutual respect, even when opinions differ?

9. Reducing Reactance and Encouraging Independent Thinking

• How can you present your views in a way that encourages others to think for themselves?
• What rhetorical questions or scenarios can you use to guide without dictating?
• How can you foster an open, non-confrontational atmosphere in your discussions?

Implementing the Toolkit

• Reflect on these questions and strategies before your conversation.
• Practice your arguments and responses to anticipate different scenarios.
• Stay open to learning and adapting your approach based on the responses you receive.

Want to change culture with ChatGPT? Use this prompt:

"Hello! I understand you're passionate about changing the culture and influencing perspectives on an issue that's important to you. Let's prepare for a meaningful dialogue that can help change minds.

Firstly, could you please share:
1. What is the specific issue you care about?
2. Why is this issue personally important to you?

Once you provide this information, I'll offer a tailored toolkit for your dialogue. This toolkit will include:

- **Strategic Questions**: A set of questions designed to gently challenge assumptions and provoke thought, using the Socratic Method.
- **Anticipated Pushback**: Common counterarguments you might encounter and how to respectfully address them.
- **Emotional and Logical Appeals**: Ways to blend emotional stories with logical arguments to create a compelling narrative.
- **Finding Common Ground**: Tips on identifying shared values to create a connection with your audience.
- **Highlighting Inaction's Cost**: How to articulate the negative consequences of maintaining the status quo.
- **Moral Conviction and Personal Responsibility**: Strategies to assert moral responsibility and urgency in your conversation.
- **Reciprocity and Respect**: Techniques to ensure a respectful exchange, fostering an environment of mutual understanding.
- **Reducing Reactance**: Advice on creating an open dialogue, minimizing opposition, and encouraging independent thinking.

This approach will help you craft a persuasive and empathetic dialogue, applying the principles of influence effectively. Ready to start? Let's begin with the issue you're passionate about."