Perhaps you have gotten nowhere in your debate with a colleague, business rival, or relative. Sometimes all you can do is tell the other person that you understand her position but that you respectfully disagree. Still, try to find one or more items or ideas on which you can agree and use those as points of departure for a discussion. When you are engaged, express your point of view in language that is neither inflammatory nor confrontational. Try to keep your voice calm and focus on the topic, rather than on the person’s character, values, or ethics. Ultimately, you may simply agree to continue the dialogue and agree to disagree.