From The Daily Dialogue
From The Daily Dialogue
Broadcast of 4/5/98
Subject: [DailyDialogue #95] Unilateral Dialogue
"When all think alike, no one thinks very much." Walter Lippman,
Each of us has a considerable control over our interactions, even when our partner is reluctant or unskillful in the practice of dialogue. Following are some of the ideas we're testing.
Of the two roles in dialogue, sender and receiver, the receiver has more control over whether the communication is dialogical. The receiver can mirror selectively, and acknowledge the sender's thoughts and feelings. To achieve fuller disclosure and better understanding, the sender can also use guiding statements and questions like: "Let me see if I'm understanding you.", "Is there more?", "Help me understand what you mean by ....".
The sender also has some control in the communication. Requests to invite my partner into a dialogical listening role might include: "Would you please summarize what you think I'm saying?", "Would you be willing to mirror me?", "What do you make of my thoughts?", "Am I making sense to you?"
Most people respond favorably to subtle attempts at shaping communication towards the dialogical. However, insisting on a change in communication habits is sure to fail (unless, of course, my communication partner is an employee.)
Experiment: Try using the dialogue techniques on an acquaintance who doesn't know about them.
Affirmation: We are attaining self-mastery through our use of dialogical communication.
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