The following tips are adapted from Speak up for the planet - Your guide to having climate change conversations, by ClientEarth

Tip #1 - Ask questions

It’s important to remember that the person you’re talking to might have a very different perspective on everyday problems and world issues. Constructive conversations need everyone to understand each other’s points of view. Ask questions, such as, “Why do you think that?”

Tip #2 - Make it real

For many people, climate change feels like a distant problem, but it has already arrived. So talk about examples that involve real people in real situations at home and abroad. People can relate to the fact that Africa, for example, is already seriously impacted by climate change (for example, in April 2022, climate change-exacerbated rainfall causing devastating flooding in Eastern South Africa), although climate impacts in Africa widely unreported.

Tip #3 - Tell a convincing story

Think about how you’re going to make your point. People find it much easier to relate to stories than facts and figures, so follow the classic story structure – setup, narrative, and moral of the story. For example: ‘I got involved in climate change because…’ and tell your personal story.

Tip #4 - Know your stuff

Facts are hard to refute, and when it comes to the climate crisis, there is a lot of useful evidence you can depend on to help you make your point and explain the problem and solutions to climate change. Prepare some facts in advance to help support your story (see The Basic Facts about climate change).

Tip #5 - Keep calm

It can be frustrating when people are doubtful about the need for climate action, despite overwhelming evidence. Where people raise fallacies (like the false choice between climate action and the economy), point this out calmly but firmly. But don’t allow a conversation to descend into conspiracy theories - that should be a “Red Card” conversation stopper.