Almost without exception, even the most rotten excuse for a human being has, at some time

[usonian]

5. There's a way to connect with anyone!

I posted this elsewhere today in
https://democraticunderground.com/100216636127
Democrats Need to Stand Up for Themselves

Read up on Influence and Persuasion and the key thing is to connect.

Personal narratives are a great way to do this.

Robert Cialdini's "Influence" (1984) is a standard. Here's a summary:
https://cxl.com/blog/cialdinis-principles-persuasion/
The most significant aspects of this tome were Cialdini’s “6 Principles of Influence,” which are:

Reciprocity;
Commitment/consistency;
Social proof;
Authority;
Liking;
Scarcity.

On a different level, you might skim "Life Strategies" by Dr, Phil. (the ONLY book by Dr. Phil I can recommend)
It starts with a narrative --- Oprah convincing a Texas jury about her beef remarks --- talk about a tough case.

Another thing that's important to connect is to replace "Yes, but" with "Yes, and" if that's at all possible.

I *do* recommend avoiding hard-core cult members, who are in denial of anything but dogma, and communicating instead with people who can make a human connection. It's a matter of finding a common ground or experience.

Narratives can open doors and minds.

Despite all the hate talk, there are things we have in common with others if we ask. Broad smears are meant to close those doors in advance.