How to find common ground: an example

When this man entered the city of Athens, a long time ago, he faced a difficult task:

How would he reach out to and connect with the Athenians, and then in line with his beliefs, possibly make them embrace his faith?

This cannot have been all that easy.

The Athenians had their own culture, their own religion, and our protagonist was from faraway countries, a foreigner.

They were, needless to say, sceptical.

But as he walked through the city he saw the temples, the altars and the many other religious objects.

And he then knew of their religious leanings, that they were important to them, and he could use this piece of information.

Imagine the excitement, and the tension in the crowd, as he approaches the stage and through the soft rumbling from the crowd makes his voice heard:

”Athenians,

I know that you, more so than others, are prone to fear the gods …”

It is as if he had found the largest or greatest common denominator, the most significant commonality.

Something that was highly valued by both him and them, their religious beliefs, and their faith in a divine power.

And so then, in order to create a strong connection, he started his entire address by establishing that bridge.

Which could have put everything he said from then on in a new light, making them more positive and sympathetic towards what he had to say.

We could perhaps learn from this as the event illustrates the value of highlighting similarities, or common ground.

If these similarities are underscored, stressed, emphasized, seen and heard, then this may bridge differences and strengthen communication.

In short:

Valued Similarities →

Rapport/Connection