How to undermine dialogue with emotional hijack

Emotional or amygdala hijack refers to what happens when stimulus bypasses the neocortex (thinking brain) and goes straight to the amygdala (fight or flight emotional response).

To trigger emotional hijack, you need to increase the level of perceived threat.  For example,

• raise your voice
• appeal to strong emotions, especially using imagery
• engage in personal attacks
• interrupt and talk over people

All of this should undermine thoughtful dialogue and any semblance of desire to seek understanding and common interest.

For pretty good examples of this in action, I would suggest watching a few parliamentary debates.