As the sole dissenter, state your position AND one…

When This Fires

• When you're the sole opposing voice in a group decision
• When you need to dissent without appearing either weak (caving) or rigid (entrenching)
• When group consensus is building and your position is unpopular but evidence-based
• Complements For two-way doors with persistent disagreement, invoke… (disagree and commit) for cases where the decision hasn't been made yet

Common Failure Mode

Stating position without falsification condition: "I disagree." This invites the group to pressure you to conform (no path to genuine persuasion was offered) and provides no signal of openness. Adding "and I would change my mind if [specific condition]" transforms the interaction from a confrontation into a negotiation about evidence.

The Protocol

(1) When you're the sole dissenter, formulate two things: your position and one specific condition that would change it. (2) State both explicitly: "I think [position] because [reasoning]. I would change my mind if [specific evidence, data point, or argument that would be convincing]." (3) The falsification condition should be genuine — something that would actually change your mind, not an impossible standard designed to make your position unfalsifiable. (4) If the group addresses your falsification condition with compelling evidence → update your position genuinely. This isn't capitulation; it's the scientific approach working as designed. (5) If the group cannot address the condition → your dissent stands. You've given them a fair opportunity to persuade you and they couldn't. Document your position for the record (For two-way doors with persistent disagreement, invoke… may now apply if the group proceeds despite your dissent).