And if someone comes to a conversation with a critical point of view, they may never be open enough to listen.Īnother important facet is to “be authentic and welcome that from others.” Couples can apply this advice by encouraging their partner to speak truthfully.
People can’t have productive discussions when they feel judged.
Here, individuals are asked to listen openly to those who disagree with them, rather than judging what the other person says. That idea is closely linked to the second agreement: “Show respect and suspend judgment.” Instead, they should be open to hearing their partner’s point of view. Partners shouldn’t dig in and try to find evidence supporting their own positions. That is important for healthy disagreement. Rather than supporting one’s own position, this basic agreement is about listening to the experiences of others and paying attention to what matters to them. The first is, “Be curious and listen to understand.” The organization has six fundamental Conversation Agreements. Be Curious & Suspend JudgmentĬouples can apply Living Room Conversations techniques for productive dialogue, whether they’re participating in conversations with friends or each other. “At the core of all our conversation strategies are the Conversation Agreements, which apply to our model as well as any conversation where you’re trying to connect with others,” said Becca Kearl, Director of Programming for Living Room Conversations. Ideally, they would build relationships across the aisle and even discover common ground on the topic. Then, they would agree to discuss that topic in a safe space. The format involves two conversation hosts with different viewpoints each inviting one or two other people to participate in a structured conversation on a specific topic. Founder Joan Blades partnered with dialogue experts to create a conversation format that would encourage useful - not hostile - discussions. Living Room Conversations was founded in 2010 to foster productive disagreements through guided conversations that can help transform communities.
Living room conversations how to#
Individuals with differing viewpoints can use the nonprofit’s model to learn how to approach topics in low-key settings, including living rooms, churches, coffee shops, conference rooms, or even online. “Getting at the heart of what we share in common with one another, these conversations have powerful, positive impacts across society - including a sense of respect, understanding, and even friendship in unexpected places!” the organization states on its website. Living Room Conversations helps people learn to have respectful talks.
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