Find her thoughtsand some sample scripts she’s provided for different conversationsbelow.
Dr. Audra Nuru: It’s true that those kinds of encounters can benefit from a bit of preparation.
Remember, everyone is coming to the table with their own unique experiences and perspectives.
Photo: Marcus Nilsson
Embrace those differences with curiosity and kindness.
Is there a subtle, useful way to redirect a political conversation that’s starting to feel upsetting?
First and foremost, prioritize the relationship.
Remember that the person you’re talking to matters more than proving a point.
Ask yourself, How can I express my views while still showing respect and valuing this person?
Part of showing respect is acknowledging that you may have different perspectives.
Secondly, listen with your heart, not just your head.
Truly venture to understand where they’re coming from, even if you disagree.
What experiences have shaped their beliefs?
What emotions are they expressing?
And remember, even when it’s tough, take a stab at see things from their perspective.
Stepping into another’s shoes, even for a moment, can foster understanding and empathy.
Third, look for points of connection.
Even in the midst of disagreement, there’s often some shared experiences or common ground to connect on.
It can also be valuable to sense when a conversation needs a pause.
Ultimately, navigating difficult conversations with respect is abouthowwe connect, even when we disagree.
It’s about building bridges of understanding by making space for different perspectives.
Using I language is such a powerful tool for navigating difficult conversations.
Instead of pointing fingers, I language lets us shift the focus to our own experience.
Imagine saying something like, I felt uncomfortable when I heard that comment.
It’s honest, it’s respectful, and it avoids making the other person feel attacked.
When we own our feelings, it invites the other person to do the same.
It creates this space for empathy and understanding, even when we might disagree.
