MY TURN – Engaging in constructive dialogue

Dialogue, is a best language, it’s the exchange of thoughts between two or more people about a certain issue for the purpose of reaching a common understanding. A dialogue is different from a debate because a debate is about one person winning and the other person loosing. However, in a dialogue, everyone is encouraged to participate, to discuss and to and to listen and understand each other’s ideas, feelings, thoughts and experiences.

Dialogue, is a best language, it’s the exchange of thoughts between two or more people about a certain issue for the purpose of reaching a common understanding. A dialogue is different from a debate because a debate is about one person winning and the other person loosing. However, in a dialogue, everyone is encouraged to participate, to discuss and to and to listen and understand each other’s ideas, feelings, thoughts and experiences. A dialogue is an opportunity to learn from others, form connections and build relationships that heal communities.

The importance of dialogue in our lives is:

First: To create a state of loving communication, and dialogue brings harmony and satisfaction between the parties in which the get rid of man’s isolation and sadness and feel justice. 

Second: To achieve reconciliation between two sides.

Third: To exchange ideas and experiences.

Fourth: To remove misunderstanding, confusion and to offer clarity.

Successful dialogue. 

A successful dialogue is a dialogue that that has a higher vision and purpose for everyone who participates. The dialogue does not have a specific agenda to attempt to try to persuade, convince or influence people but, rather, it seeks to understand, empathize and develop human relationships.

Another important part of having a dialogue is for people to express what is in their heart, the pain in their heart, their hopes, and their wishes, and to feel safe doing so knowing that people care about their experiences and value them. 

A successful dialogue will also guide people to discover the truth because the truth is the hallmark of justice.

The following goals create an effective dialogue:

* A clear and distinct subject that everyone can engage in without confusion but with clarity and purpose.

* Everyone engaging with the dialogue is familiar with the topic of the dialogue so that the group can sync and be able to effectively communicate.

* The dialogue must have some form of guidance, flexibility, calmness, and patience to avoid hurt feelings and misunderstandings. People must be given an opportunity to express themselves. 

* Staying focused and on point so that the dialogue continues to flow with intention and clear purpose. 

* Providing the participants with information and any preparatory materials that might aid them in participating fully in the dialogue.

* Deciding the next meeting day.

The literature of the dialogue:

* Avoid ridicule from the others.

* The non-use of inappropriate words during the dialogue

* It’s not right to make your thought is the most important, and correct always.

* Respecting the interlocutor is important for successful dialogue, and the achievement of goals desired.

* To convince others you have to present examples, evidence, and proofs.

* Simplicity in expression, speech, avoiding of complex terms, makes dialogue easy, useful, and credible.

Jawdat Alobeidi 

Iraqi Center for dialogue