Debate vs. Dialogue

The Power of Listening

Dialogue is distinct from Debate:

Debate is valued in many societies as a key tool for informed decision making, where different sides try to prove eachother wrong.

Dialogue has a vital, if quieter, role to play, where different sides come together towards a common understanding.

Debate is valued in many societies as a key tool for informed decision making, where different sides try to prove eachother wrong.

Dialogue has a vital, if quieter, role to play, where different sides come together towards a common understanding.

Dialogue is distinct from Debate:

Debate is valued in many societies as a key tool for informed decision making, where different sides try to prove eachother wrong.

Dialogue has a vital, if quieter, role to play, where different sides come together towards a common understanding.

Unbalanced by lacking dialogue,

the constructive impact of debate has diminished.

Our societies increasingly polarize as

we gravitate towards people who share our own views.   

Our societies increasingly polarize as

we gravitate towards people who share our own views.   

Differences between Debate and Dialogue include:

DEBATE:

The atmosphere is threatening; attacks are expected.

DIALOGUE:

The atmosphere is one of safety, active listening and respectful exchange.

DEBATE:

Participants listen in order to expose faulty logic.

DIALOGUE:

Participants listen to understand and gain insight.

DEBATE:

Participants affirm their own point of view.

DIALOGUE:

Participants enlarge their own point of view.

Debate has it's place: it can help societies' direction

when tempered by the Power of Dialogue to help

build bridges across divisions.

Debate has it's place: it can help societies' direction

when tempered by the Power of Dialogue to help

build bridges across divisions.

“Insights, new relationship, and commitment to action:

these are the fruits of dialogue."

Rob Corcoran

Rob Corcoran

“Insights, new relationship, and commitment to action:

these are the fruits of dialogue."

“Insights, new relationship, and commitment to action:

these are the fruits of dialogue."

Rob Corcoran

Developing Life Skills through the Power of Dialogue.