It’s not rare for an otherwise mild conversation to end in conflict. This is very common, especially with the increasing rate of how we meet new and diverse people. Conversations can easily turn to heated arguments and, from there, conflict, especially if the topic of discussion is very sensitive or affects someone’s beliefs or values. But this should not be.
Everyone should be able to maintain their cool during a heated conversation. They should be able to practice civil discourse and not insult each other or fight while dialoguing. These two things can affect the outcome of a conversation. It is very unproductive and can lead to one party insulting the other.
For a more productive conversation that’s done respectfully, Civil Discourse is important. But what is it? And how can it help to resolve conflicts?
What is Civil Discourse?
Civil discourse is a discussion where involved parties respectfully exchange valuable inputs, thoughts, and ideas. To understand civil discourse, you need to be open-minded is key. Points are presented very politely, and everyone involved understands each other. Not just their opinions and thoughts, but the reason for these thoughts.
Civil discourse is not pretending to be polite to stay away from conflicts. Contrarily, it is the exchange of opposing ideas politely and logically in a way everybody understands the opinions of the other, and everyone is allowed to contribute. Civil discourse is also very important in resolving conflicts, aside from helping people reach a productive conclusion. But how? Let’s find out.
Using Civil Discourse for Conflict Resolution
Before you can use civil discourse to resolve conflict, you should know and understand the cause of the conflict in the first place. Conflicts, especially during a dialogue, do not occur because the party’s opinions differ. A lot more comes to play.
But the most common cause of conflict can result from impolite voicing of different opinions. The way an opinion is aired and when it is said matters. If you understand this, then you will be able to resolve conflict using civil discourse. The following processes can help you out.
Make sure to set boundaries
To have a discussion that is free from conflict, you need to create and define clear-cut boundaries. These boundaries will help ensure that opinions are heard without fear of repercussions. Or without an upset in the environment’s decorum.
Setting boundaries also help different parties to reach a common understanding while focusing on the issue being discussed and not attacking the other party’s personalities. Boundaries also help ensure that everyone is heard and understood, Not ridiculed.
Practice active listening
When resolving conflicts, don’t listen because you want to point out something wrong in the other party’s view or opinion. This can happen to everyone and anyone, including you.
However, work towards improving your listening skills. Listen actively. This will help to improve your conversation skills. Listen, even when you talk. Incorporate the other party’s thoughts and opinions as much as possible while talking. This way, they will know you paid attention to what they had to say.
In cases where you are unsure of what the other party said, you can always ask for more clarification. This is better than just assuming and will help to reduce conflicts.
Stay open-minded
No matter what the other party has to say, try as much as possible to stay open-minded even if the opinions vary greatly from yours. This is important in settling disputes with civil discourse.
While using civil discourse to resolve conflicts, don’t let your biases hinder you from understanding what the other party has to say. Or knowing the rationale behind their thoughts and opinions.
Keeping these biases in check can help you have a productive conversation that will help resolve conflicts.
Also, When you engage in civil discourse, try not to be defensive. Instead of being defensive, listen and understand what people have to say. Then make your contributions accordingly.
Speak with facts
It is very easy for heated discussions to attack people’s personalities and not focus on the topic. As much as you can, don’t do this. Instead of getting infuriated when misunderstood, use facts and figures to support your opinions. Don’t speak from personal experiences. And also, try to be very objective.
Stay confident
Confidence is one of the best ways to resolve conflicts using civil discourse. Stay confident with your views. Air them out, as long as it’s positive and wouldn’t hurt another person.
Don’t be afraid to speak. If you’re not knowledgeable about a particular topic, being confident enough to acknowledge it is better than letting people assume you do.
Staying confident and honest will let you get better perspectives of the issues on the ground. The earlier you admit that the quicker you’re filled in. At the end of the day, it’s a win-win situation. This is the best part of civil discourse in resolving conflicts.
More than ever we need this in our country. Enough said.