Stand Up to the Haters
It can be intimidating to challenge or question what someone believes, especially if that person is in a position of authority, but when you know the information is incorrect, you have a responsibility to correct mistruths. After all, your livelihood is at stake. These six guidelines will help you feel more comfortable and be more effective in presenting your views. 1. Find Common Ground: Your family’s health, your care for the environment, your interest in being healthy. People don’t care what you know until they know that you care. 2. Don’t be an Antagonist: You can ask questions about their sources or their statements but do not make it a personal attack. 3. Keep Your Cool: It’s easy to get frustrated and resort to less-than-professional responses, but it will defeat your purpose. 4. Talk About What You Know: Share what you do know and if a person raises other concerns, tell them you will find the answers, and then find them, or direct them to an expert in that field. It’s also a great opportunity to follow up. 5. Use Personal Experiences: They are powerful and irrefutable. Explain how you care for your animals and why they’re important to you; share anecdotes. 6. Educate Yourself: Know how conventional production differs from organic or natural production. Know why pork production changed to its present form and how it benefits animals. Use the many resources that are available to you.
