How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide

Description

From politics and religion to workplace negotiations, ace the high-stakes conversations in your life with this indispensable guide from a persuasion expert. In our current political climate, it seems impossible to have a reasonable conversation with anyone who has a different opinion. Whether you're online, in a classroom, an office, a town hall—or just hoping to get through a family dinner with a stubborn relative—dialogue shuts down when perspectives clash. Heated debates often lead to insults and shaming, blocking any possibility of productive discourse. Everyone seems to be on a hair trigger. In How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay guide you through the straightforward, practical, conversational techniques necessary for every successful conversation—whether the issue is climate change, religious faith, gender identity, race, poverty, immigration, or gun control. Boghossian and Lindsay teach the subtle art of instilling doubts and opening minds. They cover everything from learning the fundamentals for good conversations to achieving expert-level techniques to deal with hardliners and extremists. This book is the manual everyone needs to foster a climate of civility, connection, and empathy. Title Page Copyright Dedication one When Conversations Seem Impossible two The Seven Fundamentals of Good Conversations three Beginner Level: Nine Ways to Start Changing Minds four Intermediate Level: Seven Ways to Improve Your Interventions five Five Advanced Skills for Contentious Conversations six Six Expert Skills to Engage the Close-Minded seven Master Level: Two Keys to Conversing with Ideologues eight Conclusion Acknowledgments Discover More Bibliography Praise for "How to Have Impossible Conversations" Notes