[7952]

I don't think people respond well to this kind of objective reasoning, it just doesn't work very well as an argument. At worse it can sound like you are calling them dumb. We need to explain the benefits, and why they are worth a tiny amount of risk. And accept that sceticism and concern are exactly what an intelligent layman should be exhibiting. Wondering if the thing is going to explode and cause cancer is a perfectly legitimate question to ask. To pursuade people you need to engage with them on an emotional level, not just bash them dismissively.

[TeMPOraL]

I agree. I didn't mean bashing people, just addressing some of the more irrational worries confidently as non-issues.

The way I feel it, engaging with irrationality legitimizes it. You don't want to do that too much. If you bend over yourself to explain that people really don't need to worry, it'll only make them feel that there is something to fear.

What I want to suggest is engaging with people on an emotional level, but projecting confidence while doing so.