The Good Conversation
Workshop
A tool to improve communication
across social and political differences
Up to 50 people learn how to
discuss socially divisive topics
without quarreling
The skills we teach:
The training:
The workshop begins with a question on a divisive current affairs topic, allowing participants to hone their skills on a real-life issue. The group selects the topic.
The training consists of a series of exercises, such as active listening, which are briefly explained by trainers and then performed in small groups or pairs.
The workshop concludes with a session on how we discuss divisive topics in our country, how we would like to be communicated with, and what participants have learned.
The impact:
As a result of the Good Conversation Workshop participants report the following effects:
76%
feel more ready to talk to people with opposing views
53%
feel more positive towards people with opposing views
What participants are saying:
The platform:
Our open-for-all Good Conversation Workshops are advertised on the Polish Dialogue platform. Citizens can register for upcoming workshops and explore our resources section, which includes short instructional videos on bridging differences, tips and hints on handling difficult conversations in daily life and evidence-based articles on polarization, dialogue and community. On the same platform citizens can also register for participation in community dialogues.
The applications:
Family & Friends
Good conversation skills can help improve relationships with extended family members, often strained by ideological divisions. They can also be used to address differences between friends without risking the relationship, or to renew old acquaintances affected by political polarization.
Workplace & Local Community
Differences are also present in our teams—issues like gender equality, minority rights, and work-life balance often polarize the workplace. Local communities tend to split over class differences and access to social services. Good conversation skills can be readily applied in these contexts as well.
-
Our workshops are led by experienced facilitators or mediators. The training exercises were designed by our team-member Olga Białobrzeska, based on latest psychology research
-
The online version of the workshop can accommodate up to 30 people. On-site workshops feature up to 50 participants. In both modalities participants are sub-divided into smaller groups for exercises
-
In order to practice good conversation on real-life issues, participants chose one topic from a list presented by facilitators. Proposed topics are drawn from the current public debate
-
Good Conversation Workshops last 2 hours. We require participants to be present, visible and engaged for the entirety of the meeting, from start to finish
-
Apart from a readiness to talk, participants of the online version need a stable internet link, a webcam and a microphone. There are no pro-conditions in terms od education or earlier training
-
Participation requires listening and speaking during the workshop. You cannot participate as an observer
-
Our open-access workshops, featured on the Polish Dialogue platform, are free of charge. On request workshops are financed by the commissioning institution
-
Our open-access workshops are financed with grants and donations. On request workshops are financed by the commissioning institution