I’m currently in the middle of the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie and he describes some situations very similar to what you experienced. I found out about this book from the article 40 random things by Eric Cressey here on T-Nation.
From what I’ve learned from this book and life in general is that people don’t want to be shown they are wrong. It is a blow to their ego. People will change their minds on their own all the time, but as soon as someone tells them they are wrong, they get defensive. You can’t shove your viewpoint down people’s throats. You have to let them “discover” it themselves.
[quote]Defender wrote:
I always like to put those people on the defensive and have them explain their positions. At best, their arguments usually fall back to relying on the words of “experts.” It only takes a few well-placed questions to leave them looking like stammering idiots.
Her: Creatine is bad for you.
You: Really? Where did you hear that?
Her: I read it.
You: Where did you read it? I’d be interested in reading it, too.
Her: I don’t remember exactly, but I know I read it.
You: If you remember, could you let me know? I’m always interested in hearing about differing opinions on the subject.
Trust me. If you peel back enough layers, you’re eventually going to expose the person’s lack of knowledge.
And if you do it in a polite manner, without arousing resentment, they will either have to agree that they are basically repeating someone else’s opinion without having confirmed it for themselves, or they will become increasingly defensive.
As long as you maintain an objective appearance, they will either have to back off their initial statement or look like a bumbling, hardheaded fool in front of everyone.[/quote]
These are some very good tips. If you can remain polite, tactful, and subtle in your approach to these things, people will more often realize their error on their own. Especially if you appear to just be exchanging facts and not strictly expressing an opinion.
You can slip in various tidbits for them to think about without making it look like you’re trying to change their mind or prove them wrong. If they “discover” the error in their ways themselves, they will be more likely to admit it and change their mind than if you tell them they are wrong. Telling them “you’re wrong” just makes them want to hold onto their viewpoint even more.