Focus on experiences
Focusing on experiences, both yours and those of other people, helps a dialogue by moving the focus away from what people think, what they believe and making judgements. It also helps you and other people consider what in their lives and upbringing as led to their current values, perspectives and world view. We all have different backgrounds, so each person's views are going to be different. We need to understand where we see things in the same way and where our experiences, and views, are different.
Instead of asking “What do you think about XYZ?”, ask “What experience do you have of XYZ?” or “What from your experience and life has led you to see XYZ the way you do?”
Introduction | The person is not the problem | Listening to understand | Expressing feelings and needs | Respecting other viewpoints | Dealing with emotions | Contribution | Useful silence | Focus on experiences | Using a facilitator | Working in a circle
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