Are you comfortable in controversial conversations? Don’t worry. There is no right or wrong answer.
If you feel uncomfortable it likely means you care how others perceive you and prefer to be in situations where people agree. If I am honest, I fall into this category most of the time.
If you feel comfortable with controversy, kudos to you. I admire your courage. I would like to become more comfortable in controversial conversations.
This post is an encouragement to be more comfortable discussing controversial topics, not to avoid conflicts, but to build and strengthen our communication connections in spite of them. Let’s explore how to be comfortable in controversial conversations within the context of nutrition communication.
Why is nutrition so often controversial?
Nutrition is a relatively new science and nutrition research is evolving and advancing rapidly with thousands of studies published annually, yet much is still unknown. Scientists accept and thrive on this need to keep exploring and asking new questions, but the public wants answers. Now.
Nutrition is controversial largely due to the nature of nutrition research. Much of it is observational, making it difficult if not impossible to definitively determine cause and effect. Controlling for the multitude of variables that constitute daily life and individual differences is a daunting challenge.
Each research study can only examine a part of the bigger picture and as a result, conflicting findings are more often the norm than the exception. To the seasoned researcher, this is an exciting challenge leading to more and more research, but to the consumer, it is frustrating.
Additionally, consider how most food components and diets can have both benefits and harms depending on the dose and other factors. This includes everything from salt, sugar, and fats, to caffeine, gluten, red meat, and processed food. All of these have been vilified, feared, and avoided unnecessarily. In moderation, all are components of a healthy, balanced eating pattern.
Controversy also attracts more attention than agreement, making controversial headlines common even in cases where the controversy is minimal or nonexistent. Always read beyond the headline and go to the original source to check if something is being misrepresented.
How can we discuss controversial topics comfortably?
As nutrition communicators, we are in an ideal position to help consumers have a balanced view of what appears to be controversial but may or may not be. We understand both nutrition science and how to communicate it effectively.
First, respectfully ask your conversation partner to elaborate. This can be as simple as saying, “Tell me more.” Listen well, focusing on the motivation behind their point of view. Continue to ask questions to fully hear them out. And remain polite. Others will be more open to you when you are open to them.
Second, acknowledge areas of common ground. Demonstrate empathy and understanding for their stance. Recognize that the viewpoint being shared has some merits. And don’t just think about these areas of agreement, verbalize them.
Ask their permission to share an alternative viewpoint. If they say no, thank them for helping you understand their point of view and let it go. Further discussion will not be productive.
If they extend permission, demonstrate that you care about their well-being and want to make sure they are not harmed or cheated by incorrect information. Put the information you share into context that is meaningful to them and recognizes their motivations.
Avoid making them feel ignorant or uninformed by what you say or how you say it.
Encourage them to be open to other points of view and the possibility of future research disproving both of you.
Throughout the conversation, avoid getting defensive. Remain calm, respectful, and open-minded. Make creating connections your goal. If you do, what was feared to be uncomfortable may turn out to be not only comfortable but highly productive.
For more on this topic, check out this guest post by Rachel Baer, MS, RDN, LD, Finding Common Ground for Nutrition Amidst a Culture of Controversy. Nutrition will likely always be a controversial subject because everyone has a lifelong connection to food and health that is both personal and cultural regardless of their scientific knowledge.
“When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest.” ~ William Hazlitt
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