Dialogue Essentials
Developing Trust and Empathy
How can we create nurturing and constructive
conversations despite conflicting values and world views?
THE CHALLENGE
They naturally invite arguments for and against competing ideas.
Political debates are key for a functioning society.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Yet, polarisation can be one of the side effects.
Dialogue has a vital, if quieter, role to play in a resilient society:
it can build bridges across divisions within communities.
THE DIFFERENCE
WHAT DIALOGUE IS
Dialogues are open conversations
in which participants create meaningful connections and
grow deeper mutual understanding.
Dialogue is explicitly distinct from debate, discussion, or negotiation.
WHAT DIALOGUE IS NOT
DEBATE is usually an argument held with the objective of one side winning.
DISCUSSION is generally a rational and analytical investigation of a topic.
NEGOTIATION aims to overcome difference by
producing an agreement or treaty.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS DO
They listen and are listened to with care.
They speak and are spoken to with empathy.
They learn about other perspectives with respect.
They openly review their own perceptions.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN
Mutual Understanding
Communication Skills
Meaningful Connections
WHAT DIALOGUE TAKES
Constructive dialogue is supported by:
Curiosity & Openness
Deep Listening & Empathetic Speaking
Dialogue Agreements & Respect
“The most basic of all human needs
is the need to understand
and be understood.”
Ralph G. Nichols
