(This post was originally published on 📝Ghost Influence on January 24, 2016.)

"If you buy someone's opinion, you buy their lifestyle."

It's not uncommon to receive advice from people who shouldn't be giving it. Add a keyboard and some anonymity into that mix and you get 'The Internet Troll'.

The question becomes, how do you deal with trolls and other false advisors?

Tactic #1 — Position yourself behind the aggressor

It's impossible to disagree with someone 100%. By finding the one thing you appreciate about the aggressor or their statements you effectively put yourself on their side.

Tactic #2 — Rob their fire of its fuel and oxygen

With a moment of pause for evaluation and a bit of practice, it becomes clear who is present in conversation to discuss and who is present to argue. You can deflate an aggressor by responding to their comments with tangible facts.

Tactic #3 — Deflate the conversation entirely

Sometimes, with true trolls, this is not enough. You have to pull the fire alarm, trigger the sprinklers, and make it impossible for them to move forward. You can do this with very strategic statements:

• • I admire your boldness
  • I appreciate your feedback
  • Thank you for such a unique perspective

What's your best/worst experience dealing with an aggressor online?