Imagine a technique that can heal Britain of division and keep out the hard right. I call it ‘radical listening’ | George Monbiot

In my constituency, volunteers chat with people in deprived areas – most of whom find they are to the left of their voting intentions. The results are exhilarating Most people have made up their minds, and nothing you can say will change them: that’s the credo of parties such as Labour and the Democrats. Don’t challenge voters on the doorstep. Follow, don’t lead. It’s true that conventional attempts at persuasion fail.

George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist Continue reading... George Monbiot In my constituency, volunteers chat with people in deprived areas – most of whom find they are to the left of their voting intentions. The results are exhilarating M ost people have made up their minds, and nothing you can say will change them: that’s the credo of parties such as Labour and the Democrats. Don’t challenge voters on the doorstep. Follow, don’t lead.

It’s true that conventional attempts at persuasion fail. They wanted to find out why and to see whether people could change their minds. There’s a solid rule in life: if you don’t listen to other people, they won’t listen to you. I’m often told that people are “too exhausted” to engage in politics. Another benefit is that deep canvassing allows people to change their minds without losing face.

That’s another solid rule in life: people love stickers. Then the volunteers ask people why they’ve made their choices. People were buzzing. The volunteers have been told by some people that it’s the only conversation they’ve had all week. Explore more on these topics Share Reuse this content In my constituency, volunteers chat with people in deprived areas – most of whom find they are to the left of their voting intentions.

The results are exhilarating Most people have made up their minds, and nothing you can say will change them: that’s the credo of parties such as Labour and the Democrats. Don’t challenge voters on the doorstep. Follow, don’t lead. George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist Continue reading... I call it ‘radical listening’ | George Monbiot