Civil Discourse

LCRG on Civil Discourse

Engaging in civil discourse requires a willingness to be open to new perspectives, to assess the quality of arguments and information and to broaden, and perhaps change, one’s mind.

Based on a review of the relevant literature, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls identified six key, teachable building blocks of civil discourse.

Emotional Skills

List of 3 items.

Extending Empathy

• Being aware of others’ feelings
• Being sensitive to others’ feelings
• Vicariously experiencing others’ feelings
Accepting Discomfort

• Being aware of one’s own feelings
• Tolerating negative feelings in oneself
• Coping effectively with distress
Braving Controversy

• Appreciating that conflict can be healthy
• Accepting that hard conversations take time
• Tolerating ongoing disagreement

Cognitive Skills

List of 3 items.

Cultivating Curiosity

• Being open to novelty
• Wanting to learn another person’s story
• Being willing to learn new things about oneself
Taking Perspective

• Recognizing multiple viewpoints
• Seeing a situation from another’s point of view
• Comprehending unfamiliar thoughts and feelings
Engaging Effectively

listening actively
questioning fairly
asserting respectfully