Civil discourse is the ability to engage in conversation with the intention of enhancing understanding, providing constructive dialogue and deliberation that is robust, 诚实的, 弗兰克, and seeks to advance public and societal interest.
The basic rules of civil discourse are to be respectful and stick to the issues without engaging in personal attacks. 那些在民间讨论的人使用逻辑, 说服, 证据, information and argumentation to make a point, 捍卫立场, 或者反驳反对意见, and do so without attacking the other individual.
从你自己开始. Modeling and expressing an open attitude are the first steps to creating a space of good temperament to foster civil discourse.
Situational environments that are “too hot” or “too cold” can change the speaking engagement for all. Spaces that are “too hot” are speaking environments that shift from being rational to emotionally charged, 潜在的伤害, as this environment often leads to personal attacks and unproductive discourse. Spaces that are “too cold” are speaking environments where communication is not free flowing, individuals in this space simply do not engage in discourse because opinions and expressions are not welcome. Both situational environments can change the speaking engagement from being productive to unproductive.
One of the best ways to cultivate an effective situational environment that fosters civil discourse is to create boundaries and expectations for the discourse. In a classroom setting, professors can develop these boundaries in a variety of ways. 教师 may determine boundaries and pose the expectations to the class, or the professor may establish foundational rules and collectively add rules as determined by the class.
Examples of boundaries: No personal attacks; Speaking time limits; No interruptions; Provide support for argument – facts over opinions; Follow the flow of the discourse; etc.
To advance individually and socially, it is crucial to engage in diverse conversations. Differences play an important role in civil discourse; without respecting these differences, interactions become unproductive and limited. While differences can be a point of contention, they can also be the epicenter of growth.
Remaining present in the conversation and avoiding distraction is critical for active listening. It is often said that individuals listen to respond, not to understand. 在从事民间话语时, 存在差异的地方, it is natural to engage in listening for response. It is in these moments communicative partners must remain present in order to stay curious and open-minded to the developing discourse.
It is necessary to remain humble and empathetic throughout difficult conversations. Differences will arise in these situations and in such times, communicators need to remember that all people – are people. Conversationalists must acknowledge that other individuals can reasonably reach different conclusions than those which one holds. It is with this notion that individuals commit to empathizing and understanding the other, 同时, 尊重我们自己的观点. 沟通者必须记住, empathy and understanding someone else’s perspective, 不就等于同意吗.
The goal of civil discourse is to engage in robust and productive discussion. Communicators will always have differences and disagreements, 在这些对话中, it is important to remember and articulate the common ground that exists. Avoid fixating on the aspects of separation; instead acknowledge and call attention to the shared values, 经历, 动机被披露. In civil discourse, it is these points of agreement that often lead to productive discussions
转述自 国家民间话语研究所