Chamber Webinar Workshop: Civil Discourse: A Primer

Roane County Chamber Webinar Workshop 
Civil Discourse: A Primer

Braver Angels'  Skills that Foster Civil Conversations About Contentious Subjects

Most of us are good communicators when speaking to someone about a topic on which we agree. We understand the other’s point of view. They are reinforcing our own beliefs and reaffirming that we are on the same team.

But when conversations move into areas of disagreement, things get a little harder. We may hear words that challenge our beliefs. And while the person we are talking to may be a family member, a business partner, a member of our church or civic club, we may feel the urge to defend our positions and prove them wrong. When this happens, communication breaks down.

Civil Discourse: A Primer introduces the communication skills practiced and taught by Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to fighting political polarity. Since 2016, Braver Angels, a nonprofit, has presented Workshops, Town Halls, Debates, and Skills Training to hundreds of thousands of Americans. They have even testified before the US Congress about “civil discourse.”

Braver Angels’ focus is on teaching skills that foster civil discourse about political issues. These same skills are effective on any contentious subject--if your employee feels he should get paid more; if your daughter doesn’t like her curfew; if your neighbor thinks your dog is killing his lawn.

This webinar workshop introduces good listening skills that promote dialogue rather than curtail it, especially when significant differences exist in the participants’ positions or attitudes. We will also teach listening and speaking skills that invite participants to share and deepen their understanding of one another’s positions on the conversation topic.

During this Zoom workshop, attendees will be placed into “breakout rooms” to practice the communication skills discussed.

Registries will receive by email the Zoom link for this workshop before the event.

This is a free online workshop. Space is limited.
Register Online, reply to this email, or call 865-376-5572 to reserve your spot!