Principles for Good Conversations

I.

Definitions: There are many different modes of discourse and

corresponding modes of silence. Some are more congenial to having
good conversations than others. In a classroom setting, two modes of
discourse are particularly germane: discussion and dialogue. They
both involve positive qualities.

Discussion

Dialogue

From the Latin dis-apart + quatere to shake

From the Greek dia- through or across + logos

word or meaning
Dialogue means a flow of meaning

Discussion means to break something apart

and examine its pieces
At its best it is a kind of inquiry, conducted as a
civil give and take
It is a method of problem solving
Participants listen to see what their next move
needs to be
Participants can speak from many points of
view and often try to score points

II.

It is a conversation with a center and no sides

It is a method of exploring assumptionsour own
and those of others
Participants listen to gain understanding of others
beliefs and concerns
Participants promote equal conversational power for
every voice in the conversation

Some Qualities of Good Conversations: Good conversations are

those in which genuine communication takes place. In a good
conversation:
A.

Participants listen actively.

B.

Participants reflect before speaking or acting.

C.

Participants speak from the heart.

D.

Participants have ownership of the terms of the conversation.

E.

The conversation promotes mutual recognition and

acknowledgement.

F.

Participants gain recognition of themselves and one another.

G.

The conversation promotes in the participants an inquiring

stance about themselves and one another.

H.

The conversation promotes equal conversational power for all

participants.