Abstract Current models draw a broad distinction between communication as dialogue and communication as monologue. The two kinds of models have different implications for who influences whom in a group discussion. If the discussion is like interactive dialogue, group members should be influenced most by those with whom they interact in the discussion; if it Continue reading Group Discussion as Interactive Dialogue or as Serial Monologue: the Influence of Group Size Nicolas Fay, Simon Garrod and Jean Carletta (2000)
Our society is dangerously polarised. We don’t listen to each other. Too many of us are separating into ideological tribes. This has to stop. The future of our democracy depends on it. This is what the Munk Debates is all about. Opening minds to different points of view. Challenging groupthink. Debating controversial issues with rigour and honesty. | Munk Debates Continue reading Our Society Is Dangerously Polarised Munk Debates
When I was teaching at Columbia University, techno-prophet Marshall McLuhan came down from Toronto to lecture there. He talked about how the linear pattern of information resulting from print technology limited the thought patterns of people who learned from printed books. Word follows word, line follows line, paragraph follows paragraph, page follows page, chapter follows chapter, in a single … | Mel Alexenberg Continue reading The Book Medium Is a Stronger Message Than Its Content Marshall McLuhan
Conversational leadership replaces the simplicity of monologue with the unpredictable vitality of dialogue. Conversation is open and fluid rather than closed and directive. To make it work, leaders need to cultivate the art of listening to people at all levels, and speaking with them directly and authentically. | Boris Groysberg and Michael Slind Continue reading Conversational Leadership Replaces Monologue with Dialogue Boris Groysberg and Michael Slind, 2012
Peter Boghossian is an American philosopher and an assistant professor of philosophy at Portland State University. WebsitePeter BoghossianWikipediaPeter BoghossianX (Twitter)@peterboghossianYouTubePeter BoghossianGooglePeter BoghossianPosts: Peter Boghossian (1)Impossible Conversations Navigating conversations across ideological dividesBooks: Peter Boghossian (7)How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay (2019)Impossible Conversations Peter Boghossian (2019)Impossible Conversations Navigating Continue reading Peter Boghossian American philosopher
Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses. | Margaret Millar Continue reading Most Conversations Are Simply Monologues Margaret Millar
Thinking and spoken discourse are the same thing, except that what we call thinking is, precisely, the inward dialogue carried on by the mind with itself without spoken sound. | Plato Continue reading Thinking and Spoken Discourse Plato
David Bohm was an American scientist described as one of the most significant theoretical physicists of the 20th century and contributed unorthodox ideas to quantum theory, neuropsychology, and the philosophy of mind. David Bohm was the originator of Bohm Dialogue – a freely flowing group conversation in which participants attempt to reach a common understanding, Continue reading David Bohm Physicist & Author
Unfortunately we are so steeped in debate, proving one’s point and challenging others, that alternative possibilities for interaction are often eclipsed from our view. It is interesting to notice that even when we say we want to dialogue we commonly end up in debate. We appear to have a longing to do something different but the vortex of habit … | Theodore Zeldin Continue reading We Are So Steeped in Debate Theodore Zeldin
The models and processes in this book emerged from Mike Burrows’ frustrating, all too common experience of being asked to help a group become more Agile or Lean, only to discover that many in the room had no idea why they were there. To them, he was there not to help but to impose. Trying Continue reading Organizing Conversations: Preparing Groups to Take on Adaptive Challenges By Mike Burrows (2024)
Nancy Dixon is a researcher and consultant who focuses on the people side of knowledge management. Nancy is a good friend and we are working closely together along with John Hovell to develop the concept of Conversational Leadership. Sharing Tacit Knowledge – the story about Xerox Copy Repair Technicians | Nancy Dixon WebsiteCommon Knowledge AssociatesLinkedinNancy DixonBlogConversation Continue reading Nancy Dixon Researcher and consultant
I have to tell it again and again: I have no doctrine. I only point out something. I point out reality, I point out something in reality which has not or too little been seen. I take him who listens to me at his hand and lead him to the window. I push open the window and point outside. I have no doctrine, I carry on a dialogue. | Martin Buber Continue reading I Have No Doctrine, I Carry on a Dialogue Martin Buber
John Hovell is a practitioner, speaker, and author in OD/KM strategies. John is a good friend; we are working closely to develop . LinkedinJohn HovellX (Twitter)@klowey22YouTubeJohn HovellGoogleJohn HovellPosts: John Hovell (2)C-group Develop your interpersonal and conversational skillsThree Questions for Meaningful Conversations Clarify focus, approach, and community-building in discussionsBooks: John Hovell (3)C-group Develop your interpersonal and Continue reading John Hovell Practitioner, speaker, and author in OD/KM strategies
We don’t have a good word for engaging in a non-hostile disagreement with the shared aim of moving the participants towards a new understanding, better decision or new idea. Debate implies a competition with winners and losers. Argument comes tinged with animosity. Dialogue is too bland. Dialectic is too obscure. We talk about argument as if it is … | Ian Leslie Continue reading We Don’t Have a Good Word for Engaging in a Non-hostile Disagreement Ian Leslie
In the book Overcoming Hate Through Dialogue by Özlem Cekic, she explores the transformative power of dialogue in bridging divides and challenging deeply held biases. Cekic, a former Danish parliamentarian of Kurdish descent, shares her journey of engaging in difficult conversations with individuals with prejudiced views. Through these intimate encounters, she reveals how open dialogue, Continue reading Overcoming Hate Through Dialogue: Confronting Prejudice, Racism, and Bigotry with Conversation―and Coffee By Özlem Cekic (2020)
Juanita Brown is the founder of Whole Systems Associates, an international consortium of professionals dedicated to strategic inquiry and the renewal of complex systems. With her partner, David Isaacs, she is also the co-originator of The World Café An introduction to the World Café | Juanita Brown. LinkedinJuanita BrownYouTubeJuanita BrownGoogleJuanita BrownPosts: Juanita Brown (2)The Differences Continue reading Juanita Brown Co-originator of The World Café
Abstract In this paper, a new role for managers is advocated to create conditions for genuine collaborative engagement in Twenty-First Century organizations. The new role is as a facilitator of emancipatory dialogue, a discourse among parties that can lead to mutual learning, deep understanding and insight, and collaborative consciousness and action. The facilitator role is Continue reading The Manager as Facilitator of Dialogue Joseph A. Raelin
Bob Marshak is Distinguished Scholar in Residence for Organization Development Programs in the School of Public Affairs at American University, Washington, DC. Dialogic OD Approach to Transformation and Change | Bob Marshak & Gervase Bushe WebsiteBiographyYouTubeBob Marshak, Gervase BusheGoogleBob Marshak, Gervase BusheTags: Bob Marshak (4) | dialogic OD (7) | dialogue (78) | Gervase Bushe (6) Continue reading Bob Marshak Distinguished Scholar, American University School of Public Affairs
I think we need a truly open-ended conversation with 8 billion strangers, and what makes that hard to do increasingly is a level of political fragmentation and extremism and partisanship born of our engagement with these new technologies. | Sam Harris Continue reading The Challenge of Open Dialogue in an Age of Technological Division Sam Harris (2025)
What is complex leadership? It starts by understanding the strengths and vulnerabilities of group dialogue. It uses this knowledge to leverage cognitive diversity within a group. | Ted Cadsby Continue reading What Is Complex Leadership? Ted Cadsby
Megan Reitz is a Professor of Leadership and Dialogue at Ashridge where she speaks, researches, consults and supervises on the intersection of leadership, change, dialogue and mindfulness. WebsiteMegan ReitzLinkedinMegan ReitzBlogMegan ReitzRSS FeedMegan ReitzX (Twitter)@meganreitz1YouTubeMegan ReitzGoogleMegan ReitzBooks: Megan Reitz (4)Being Silenced and Silencing Others: Developing the Capacity to Speak Truth to Power Megan Reitz, John Higgins Continue reading Megan Reitz Facilitator, teacher, speaker, executive coach, researcher and author
The Oracy Lab is an experimental space for exploring the power and possibilities of spoken communication for conveying meaning and co-creating a deeper understanding of the complexity and dynamics of the world. | David Gurteen Continue reading What Is an Oracy Lab? David Gurteen
Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation. It is an emerging process that has tremendous potential for transforming the way that people communicate and share tacit knowledge in everyday conversation. Fundamentally, when two people engage each other in dialogue they enter a conversation with a view to learn from each other rather than impose … | David Bohm Continue reading Dialogue Is a Disciplined Form of Conversation David Bohm
Without dialogue, we extinguish ideas, we cover up wrongdoing, the quality of our decision-making deteriorates and our engagement plummets. | Megan Reitz Continue reading Without Dialogue Megan Reitz
Why is conversation so easy? Abstract Traditional accounts of language processing suggest that monologue – presenting and listening to speeches – should be more straightforward than dialogue – holding a conversation. This is clearly not the case. We argue that conversation is easy because of an interactive processing mechanism that leads to the alignment of Continue reading Why Is Conversation So Easy? Simon Garrod and Martin J. Pickering
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One Conversation at a Time Future Minds: the Rise of Intelligence From the Big Bang to the End of the Universe Tags: Continue reading From Debate to Dialogue: Using the Understanding Process to Transform Our Conversations by Deborah L. Flick (1998)
Dialogic names a way of thinking grounded in conversation, difference, and shared meaning across perspectives. Much discussion today treats ideas as fixed positions to defend, closing down understanding and change. A dialogic stance keeps meaning open, treats others as co-participants, and allows insight to emerge through ongoing conversation together. Continue reading Living Dialogically Finding meaning through conversation and difference
Education is often framed as the transmission of knowledge and values. However, this narrow view overlooks the deeper ways in which learning shapes identity and sustains culture. A dialogic perspective, by contrast, sees education as shared participation in conversation, through which individuals grow and contribute to practices that connect communities across generations. Continue reading Dialogic Education How learning shifts from transmission to participation
Education has long treated knowledge as something to be transmitted from teacher to student. Yet this one-way model no longer prepares us for a world of complexity and difference. Dialogic education offers an alternative path where learning becomes a shared inquiry, and understanding grows through genuine conversation. Continue reading Dialogic Learning Learning through conversation and difference
Learning occurs through the meeting of diverse voices and perspectives. Too often, difference is treated as a problem to be managed or erased. Seen differently, it becomes the very space where thinking expands, new meaning emerges, and possibilities grow beyond what any single perspective could achieve on its own. Continue reading Dialogic Space Seeing learning as a shared space of many perspectives
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Posts where this book is embedded Individuals Expect and Demand a Voice in Decisions That Affect Their Lives Daniel Yankelovich The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity The New Enlightenment and Continue reading The Magic of Dialogue: Transforming Conflict Into Cooperation by Daniel Yankelovich
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. On Dialogue On Relationality: Lessons From Martin Buber on Living in Relation with Self, Others, the World, and Life Itself Tags: dialogue (78)Google Web Search Photo Credits: Midjourney (Public Domain)This page is Continue reading On Dialogue – an Essay in Free Thought by Robert Grudin (1996)
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Leading Issues in Social Knowledge Management Learning Together and Alone: Cooperative, Competitive, and Individualistic Learning Tags: dialogue (78) | listening (43) | teaching (5)Google Web Search Photo Credits: Midjourney (Public Domain)This page Continue reading Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach: the Power of Dialogue in Educating Adults by Jane Kathryn Vella
Learning often brings us into contact with different perspectives. Too frequently, these differences are treated as deficiencies to be corrected or gaps to be closed. Seen differently, however, they can become generative spaces in which new meaning emerges if we remain with the tension and allow it to reshape our understanding. Continue reading The Dialogic Gap How dialogue turns gaps into openings for new understanding
Never before has there been a greater need for deeper listening and more open communication to cope with the complex problems facing our organizations, businesses, and societies. In this book, On Dialogue, scientist David Bohm believed there was a better way for humanity to discover meaning and achieve harmony. He identified creative dialogue, a sharing Continue reading On Dialogue by David Bohm (2004)
First Int’l Conference on Dialogic Organization Development | Gervase Bushe & Robert Marshak AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Books: Gervase Bushe, Bob Marshak (1)The Dialogic Mindset Leading Emergent Change in a Complex WorldBlog Posts: Gervase Bushe, Continue reading Dialogic Organization Development: the Theory and Practice of Transformational Change by Gervase R. Bushe, Robert J. Marshak (2015)
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Posts where this book is embedded Dialogue Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together: A Pioneering Approach to Communicating in Business and in Life Difficult Continue reading Dialogue: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation by Linda Ellinor, Glenna Gerard
Language shapes how we think, learn, and lead together. When one voice claims certainty, conversation narrows, and meaning hardens. A dialogic voice keeps inquiry alive by holding multiple perspectives in play and allowing understanding to emerge through relationship rather than assertion. Continue reading Finding Our Dialogic Voice Learning through many voices
When we talk, we do so within a field that shapes tone, meaning, and what feels possible. This field is rarely noticed, yet it limits what can be said and how it is heard. Noticing and tending the field changes conversations, opening space for thinking, honest speech, and shared understanding. Continue reading The Relational Field How relationships shape what we say and hear
Dialogue is a respectful form of conversation based on listening and mutual understanding. This focus on talk alone overlooks how thinking itself handles difference and uncertainty. Distinguishing dialogic thinking from dialogue shifts attention to how ideas are held open before, during, and beyond conversation. Continue reading The Difference Between Dialogue and Dialogic Thinking A subtle but important difference
AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Dialogic: Education for the Internet Age: Education for the Internet Age Dialogue: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation Tags: dialogue (78) | William Isaacs (2)Google Web Search Photo Credits: Midjourney (Public Domain)This Continue reading Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together: A Pioneering Approach to Communicating in Business and in Life by William Isaacs
Suppose we were able to share meanings freely without a compulsive urge to impose our view or conform to those of others and without distortion and self-deception. Would this not constitute a real revolution in culture? | David Bohm Continue reading A Real Revolution in Culture David Bohm
This blook is not just about me. Numerous people, some living, some not, have understood the power of conversation, appreciated the complexity of the world, and have influenced my thinking. You will find the profiles of a few of these people here. The list below is a subset of these people, whose prime focus is Continue reading Conversation Thinkers It’s the fringe thinkers who change the world
Özlem Cekic received hate-filled messages due to her background as a Muslim immigrant. By engaging in honest dialogue with her critics, she demonstrated how open conversation can transform hostility into empathy and build meaningful connections. Continue reading The Power of Talking with Enemies Özlem Cekic’s story of transforming hostility through conversation
Critical thinking and effective communication are crucial for addressing pressing issues in a complex world. The Socratic method, a dialogue-based approach to fostering inquiry and understanding, has evolved to meet these challenges. By exploring its history and modern applications, we discover valuable tools for navigating complexity and promoting sustainability. Continue reading The History of the Socratic Method The evolution and impact of Socratic dialogue
Numerous words or phrases describe the varied forms of conversation and speech. This page lists some of the more common ones in alphabetic order. Continue reading The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech
Thinking doesn’t happen only in solitude. It comes alive in conversation, especially when we face tension, contradiction, or competing truths. In times like these, we need to learn how to think with each other, not just talk at or past each other. Continue reading Dialectical Thinking Practicing dialectical thinking in complex times
The philosophy of conversation investigates the intricate dynamics of human interaction by exploring how we exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships through dialogue. By philosophically examining conversation, we gain a deeper understanding of our conversational practices to appreciate dialogue as core to the human experience. Continue reading Philosophy of Conversation Conversation is fundamental to the human experience
The Great Conversation links thinkers, traditions, and questions across thousands of years. Viewing history as separate episodes hides the deeper reality that it is the ongoing conversation of humankind, a dialogue that began around early campfires. Seeing it this way shows that each of us can contribute to this continuing exchange. Continue reading The Great Conversation The evolving dialogue of ideas over millennia
Discourse profoundly shapes our perceptions and interactions. Exploring different forms of oral discourse—such as debates, interviews, and conversations—reveals how we convey ideas and navigate conflicts. Examining these genres gives us a richer understanding of the subtleties and complexities that characterize human communication. Continue reading Oral Public Discourse Verbal expression aimed at a public audience
Levels of Conversation ** Conversation Is a Dance ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Debate Dialogue Assumes there is a right answer and you have it. Assumes many people have pieces of the answer and that Continue reading Dialogue Vs Debate ** Exploring together vs winning
We often say we need to debate something, especially in the political world, when what we really need is a dialogue. But what is the difference between dialogue and debate? Continue reading The Difference Between Dialogue and Debate ** In dialogue, finding common ground is the goal while in debate, winning is the goal
How Could We Be Wrong? Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The pursuit of truth is a fundamental human endeavor. However, arriving at the truth can be challenging, as our beliefs and Continue reading The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization
Introduction: Small Group Conversations Groupthink Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Deciding the optimum group size for a conversation or decision-making is critical in small group work. What is the optimum size? Over the years, in running Continue reading What Is the Optimum Group Size for a Conversation? More than five people and it is not a conversation
We often see those with different beliefs as adversaries, which limits our ability to recognize the potential for friendship and understanding. Conversational Leadership encourages open dialogue across diverse perspectives, helping us build empathy and shared insights to navigate our complex world together. Continue reading We Are Not Enemies but Friends Finding understanding by conversing with those who think differently
Introduction: Knowledge Café Principles Knowledge Café Principle: Everyone Has an Equal Voice Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Principle: Conversation is Sovereign. The Knowledge Café aims to facilitate meaningful conversations. To do this, it is important to Continue reading Knowledge Café Principle: Conversation Is Sovereign It’s all about the conversation
The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Connecting Minds Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Many of us find it difficult to give a speech, and it is not always easy to listen to one, but we are Continue reading Our Brains Are Designed for Conversation That is why we find conversation so easy
Debates are an essential part of communication, allowing for the exchange of differing viewpoints. However, understanding their various forms and purposes can be challenging. By examining the structure and significance of debates, we can gain a deeper understanding of their role in public discourse and critical thinking. Continue reading Understanding Debates Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it
Thinking Together Let’s Have More Interesting Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversation in business is frequently seen as soft and wooly. Is it? I’m afraid the senior managers in my organisation have got no interest Continue reading Hard Conversation Conversation is anything but soft and wooly
The meaning of dialogue The word “dialogue” has several meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. If you look up the word in most dictionaries, you will find definitions like this. A conversation between two or more persons. e.g., A discussion about the subject took place. The exchange of opinions between people or groups who disagree with each other. e.g., There was a dialogue … Continue reading Dialogue Dialogue is a disciplined form of conversation
Speak in Plain Language Take Responsibility for the Conversation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Turn monologues into dialogues: Turn one-way communication into two-way conversations. Talk with people rather than at them. A monologue is a Continue reading Turn Monologues Into Dialogues Talk with people rather than talk at them
Speak with Less Conviction Reduce Emailing and Texting ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Disagree constructively: Disagreement is an inevitable part of life. Most of the time, we do it poorly. We need to learn to Continue reading Disagree Constructively How to disagree well
Peer Instruction Vs. Peer Learning Learn by Talking Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close How can we effectively share knowledge, particularly tacit knowledge, which cannot be easily encoded into information or implicit knowledge that is not consciously Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Through Conversation Knowledge isn’t there the way ore is buried
An impossible conversation may feel futile as it occurs between individuals who possess radically different ideas, beliefs, morals, politics, or worldviews. Such conversations are likely to lead to arguments and even physical altercations. So, how can we engage in impossible conversations? Continue reading Impossible Conversations Navigating conversations across ideological divides
On the face of it, rhetoric and oracy would seem the same, but although they have much in common, they have some significant differences. Continue reading What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? Rhetoric is monologue, oracy is dialogue
