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You don't have to agree -

It's actually important that we don't agree on everything, and it's perfectly fine if we permanently disagree. Remember, disagreeing isn't the problem; it's how we do it.

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Calm yourself down - Take a deep breath and count to 10 to stay calm. Try talking slower and in an even tone to keep the other person calm, too.

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Don't aim for the middle ground -

Disagreeing without falling out is not necessarily about compromise. So don't aim for the middle ground. Instead, it's about working hard to find a common ground despite your differences.

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Show you truly understand -

Recapping the other person's point of view to validate the original point creates a strong foundation for the conversation.

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Focus on facts -

A strong argument is one that uses facts over opinion, which can be difficult to remember when you're in the middle of a disagreement. So, don't forget to place your emphasis on the reasoning and information supporting your disagreement.

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Speak truthfully -

In order to form meaningful relationships and feel relaxed with someone who has opposing views to yours, total honesty is important.

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Listen intently and aim for empathy -

Honest conversation involves listening attentively and speaking truthfully. However, it's not just about listening. We need to be curious, open, and try to experience empathy.

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Dial down on judgement - Avoid using any judgment or words that would offend the other person, such as "naive," "dumb," or "foolish."

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How you talk is better than what you talk about -

If we have a way of talking by which one is always canceling out the other and putting them down, it doesn't matter what we're talking about. What matters is how you talk to each other. 

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Don't get personal -

This is something you want to avoid at all costs when disagreeing with someone, particularly in a professional setting. Focus on illustrating why you feel the way you do. 

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Recognize the good -

Before bringing up an argument, it's best if you preface it with something that you like about that person's original suggestion and then come up with your own idea.

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Soften the tone of your language - Use "I" statements rather than "you" statements. This subtle practice can alter how your message is received.

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Know when to move on -

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of respectfully disagreeing with someone is knowing when you need to just call it quits and move on.

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Phrases to respectfully disagree -

Whether it's with colleagues, friends, family members, or a significant other, there are a number of useful phrases you can use to respectfully disagree. 

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"I hear your perspective. May I share mine?" -

This statement and question acknowledge that you have heard the other person and asks if your opinion is welcome in the conversation. If the person declines to hear your POV, the next steps are up to you.

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"I understand your point, but I have some hesitations about..." -

This phrase conveys empathy for the other person's position while expressing your concerns, which is super diplomatic. 

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"I have a different perspective I would like to share." -

Since this phrase doesn't seek permission to share, it's a good one for when you plan to respond. 

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"I'm glad we can have an open dialogue. I would love to share my thoughts as well." -

This phrase emphasizes that you appreciate an open dialogue, and it hopefully reduces the defensiveness of the other person. 

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"I'm not sure that's right." -

A phrase that gets straight to the point, it challenges what the other person is saying without straight-up saying they're wrong.

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"I truly respect your point, but here's how my perspective differs." -

This phrase works because the other party is given the chance to view a different perspective.

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"I'm afraid we have two totally different views, and that's okay!" -

Letting someone know that you're okay with seeing things differently stops the conversation from escalating.

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"That's a valid point, but..." -

This phrase validates the other person, but it shows that you don't have to agree.

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"I respectfully disagree because my understanding is..." -

A diplomatic phrase to use, it helps keep the discussion focused on the issue rather than personal feelings. 

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"I digress." -

Sometimes, it's just time to move on. 

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"I don't completely agree, but I can certainly see how you arrived at that conclusion." -

This is another phrase that conveys to the other person that you saw and heard them.

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"That's interesting. Can I tell you how I see it?" -

This phrase's use of "interesting" validates the other person. Yet, it shifts and sets the stage for a healthy disagreement.

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"It seems like we may not see this the same way." -

This phrase helps end the conversation by acknowledging a difference in opinion without reverting to disagreement. 

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"Let's just agree to disagree." -

This phrase helps end the conversation, and it works in all situations.

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"I want to make sure we hear from other voices in the meeting." -

An excellent fit for office meetings, this phrase can be used when it's clear that people are silently disagreeing with an idea presented.
Sources: (BBC) (Forbes) (Inc.) (Parade) 
See also: Practical ways to build trusting relationships

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