Transforming Difficult Conversations into Learning Conversations

Abstract

It’s an image that is by no means uncommon: “the social justice conversation gone wrong,” the sort of political and/or religious argument that escalates and ultimately fails to broaden either party’s perspective. In this presentation, the presenters will illustrate: 1) what causes these “difficult social justice conversations,” 2) why these conversations are ineffective, 3) recommended behaviors designed to change these difficult conversations into impactful and transformative social justice conversations, and 4) a scientific overview highlighting why the recommended techniques are effective for promoting belief change regarding social justice.