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What is dialogue?
A dialogue is an exchange of ideas.
Dialogue is a form of communication different from discussion or debate. Discussions present ideas. While participating in a dialogue may express opposing viewpoints or ideas, the goal of dialogue is not to win a but instead to come to a better understanding of another person’s perspective in order to find common ground and shared meaning. Dialogue causes introspection of one’s own views and builds listening, personal reflective and conflict management skills.
| Dialogue | Debate | Discussion |
|---|---|---|
| Is about seeking understanding, learning perspective taking, and suspending judgment of others | Is about listening to find flaws and weaknesses in other people’s idea | Uses listening to find places of disagreement but to avoid conflict. Looks for rationality |
| Has participants broaden their own perspective, discover differences and commonalities | Win an argument / prove the other person is wrong | Present a variety of ideas for conversation; having an academic exchange |
| A form of communication that explores thoughts and feelings, invites differing opinions and experiences | A form of communication between two or more people where an issue is discussed and opposing arguments are put forward | A form of communication where ideas are presented, often in a clear, neutral way |
| Allows for challenges to preconceived notions and names areas of conflict and difference | Often focuses on individual backgrounds as irrelevant or as cause for disparagement | Ignores the influence of individuals’ backgrounds or status in the conversation |
| Focus is on understanding others; holding multiple, often conflicting truths, and validating individual experiences | Assumes there is one right answer, seeks to prove others wrong and win the argument | Seeks new information, provides answers, avoids conflict and does not seek joint action for change |
Barrett, S. (2019). Living a Culture of Dialogue. Organic Strategies Coaching and Consulting https://organicstrategies.de/en/culture-of-dialogue/
Ebener, D. R. (2023). Skills for Dialogue: Practicing: a Better Kind of Politics. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV), Vatican City State.
Mehl, C. (2024). A Blueprint for Improving Campus Dialogue and Belonging. Inside Higher Ed. Feb 23, 2024. https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2024/02/23/how-improve-college-campus-dialogue-belonging-opinion
What is Inregroup Dialogue? University of Michigan 01_UM_IGR_Insight_Intergroup_Dialogue_2023June.pdf (dropbox.com)
About Restorative Justice https://law.wisc.edu/fjr/rjp/justice.html