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PrintPromoting discussion: Dialogue versus debate
You are probably familiar with debates where two opponents intellectually fight it out over a controversial issue. These can be exciting, but not always informative. Dialogues may not be as familiar. At the Forum we host both types of events.
| DIALOGUE | DEBATE |
|---|---|
| Collaborative | Oppositional |
| Common ground | Winning |
| Enlarges perspective | Affirms perspective |
| Searches for agreement | Searches for differences |
| Causes introspection | Causes critique |
| Looks for strengths | Looks for weaknesses |
| Re-evaluates assumptions | Defends assumptions |
| Listens for meaning | Listening for countering |
| Remains open-ended | Implies a conclusion |
Source: Adapted from the Co-Intelligence Institute and appearing in Jones CM, Mittlemark MB. The IUPHE BLueprint for Directed and Sustained Dialogue for Partnership Initiatives. Used with permission.