It happens to all of us. We're out on the quad, talking about who we are and what we do. We tell people, "no, we don't eat babies," and "yes, we do wear clean clothes," and, "no, you aren't going to die because you opened your gris-gris bag."  And then someone comes to the table to tell us about how we're wrong, we're going to hell, or how their religion is clearly better than ours. 

What do you do?
First, know the laws in your area. Are you protected by the First Amendment? Are you protected by another act? 

Here are a few tips:

• Listen - Let them speak for a minute. Many of these people only want to feel like they've been heard.
• Ask questions about why they believe what they believe (in a calm, interested manner).
  • It's important that you're calm, and seem interested in hearing what they have to say. You can even tell them that - "I'm interested in your perspective on this. Please tell me how you came to believe this."
  • Use this opportunity to move the conversation physically away from a crowd or from your booth/table, perhaps to a nearby bench.
• If you know enough about their religion to calmly refute incorrect points, do so calmly. 
  • If you do NOT know enough to carry on this conversation fully, don't try.
• Acknowledge good points made by others. Allow it to become more of a discussion than a "debate" or all-out fight.
• Remember that there is NEVER anything wrong with a discussion among intelligent adults. You might learn something. So might they.
• Stay. Calm. 
  • I cannot stress this enough. Stay. Calm. Getting upset or escalated will do no good at all in the situation. 
  • End the conversation if you can't stay calm. 
    • "I'm sorry, you're upsetting me right now and it's not appropriate for us to continue this conversation."
    • "I'm sorry, this conversation is inappropriate right now and I'm going to have to ask that you leave our space." 
• De-escalate situations if they become heated.
  • Use Open posture - hands to your sides or behind your back loosely.
  • Physically take a small step backward.
  • Soften your facial expression - make sure you don't appear angry.
• Always seek the help of someone in charge if there is ANY fear of violence or discrimination. You have a right to your space and to your safety, especially on campus. 

Does anyone have any more ideas? Send them through the Contact page.