Whether it's at the dinner table, on social media, or in the office break room, many of us like to talk about controversial topics. Yet all too often, these debates go badly -- and not just when participants have clashing beliefs and values. What's going on? We'll go over a variety of dynamics that can poison conversation, including interruptions, topic control, tone policing, and more. This talk goes beyond explaining why these behaviors are harmful and talks about how to address them when you observe them in others - or in yourself.
Tweets
Arrived at @alterconf just in time for @shauna_gm's session on communication strategies to reduce harm (given/received) in discussions.
— Dilettante Dingus (@BooDooPerson) September 15, 2014
Tonight's @alterconf sessions are awesome. "This is a myth: truth != people + talking - emotions + data" - @shauna_gm
— Liana Leahy (@lleahy) September 15, 2014
@shauna_gm discusses strategies for taking control of conversations where your voice is lost in the majority @AlterConf
— Chelsea Barabas (@chels_bar) September 15, 2014
check it @samn took a pic of one of @AlterConf Boston’s best slides http://t.co/69tGR5hT7N p.s. #AlterConf was cool
— Miles (@thedailyrobot) September 16, 2014
@shauna_gm I enjoyed your #alterconf talk: never heard of "progressive stack" before. Also, thought you might enjoy http://t.co/aIArGLplQE
— Joseph Reagle (@jmreagle) September 16, 2014
“There’s this believed truth that arguing is the road to truth.” @shauna_gm #AlterConf pic.twitter.com/ZAqUl47CDV
— AlterConf Sessions (@AlterConf) September 15, 2014
Learning about interruptions at #AlterConf. Knock knock. pic.twitter.com/oTilQD0jA9
— Gamebits (@gamebits) September 15, 2014
"With every conversation it's important to make good choices or we can end up in the darkest timeline" #AlterConf
— Jenna Hoffstein (@jhoffstein) September 15, 2014
@shauna_gm discusses strategies for taking control of conversations where your voice is lost in the majority @AlterConf
— Chelsea Barabas (@chels_bar) September 15, 2014
interesting point at #alterconf about the non-linearity of twitter and tumblr allowing for greater dialogue possibilities/equality of voices
— jackie (@wildandwavering) September 15, 2014
"Women have to worry about seeming flighty or flirty or bitchy or hysterical when they talk" #AlterConf @shauna_gm
— Jenna Hoffstein (@jhoffstein) September 15, 2014
"The devil's advocate was [historically] invited, part of the community, and very well researched" — @shauna_gm at #alterconf
— Sneakernet of Things (@stillinbeta) September 15, 2014
.@shauna_gm recommends s.e. smith's "Devil's Advocacy," to check/rein-in someone claiming that position: http://t.co/xrmeqLmOOJ #alterconf
— Dilettante Dingus (@BooDooPerson) September 15, 2014
"truth != people + talking - emotions + data." "truth = people + talking + empathy + mindfulness + hard work + ???" #alterconf realness
— jackie (@wildandwavering) September 15, 2014
Excellent presentation by @shauna_gm about having more respectful conversations. #alterconf (Sorry, bad exposure.) pic.twitter.com/sV6w7h22Z4
— Adri (@genericgeekgirl) September 15, 2014
"Talking the Talk: Communication Styles for Diversity at #AlterConf" my writeup of @shauna_gm's talk. https://t.co/rscFiogyjx
— Edward L Platt (@elplatt) September 16, 2014