What is Structured Dialogue?
Structured Dialogue
The purpose of structured dialogue is to promote understanding of each other’s experiences and points of view. It can be used to help resolve conflict or just deepen awareness of social issues. It is not intended as a decision making tool. Agreement is not the goal.
Dialogue is structured by the presence of ground rules to guide participants away from debate and toward dialogue, which implies speaking only for oneself (based primarily on personal experiences), listening actively, and showing respect for other people and points of view. It is also structured by the presence of facilitators to help guide discussion and enforce the ground rules.
Useful Ground Rules for Structured Dialogue
- Be curious and open to learning
- Listen actively and from the heart
- Show respect and suspend judgment
- Look for common ground
- Balance speaking and listening
- Be authentic and welcome that from others
Intended Outcomes of Structured Dialogue
- Learn about different people’s experiences, identities, and standpoints
- Consider perspectives different from our own
- Build self-awareness as well as understanding of others
- Learn to listen and deeply engage with others
- Share feelings
- Develop empathy and open-mindedness
- Build skills in communication, perspective taking, and complex thinking
- Work through differences and conflicts
- Build relationships across campus
“The greatest influence on student leadership development comes from peer interaction across and about difference.”
