Track II Mediation Unit

What do We Mean by Dialogue?

Dialogue is conversation or an exchange of ideas between two or more people. The primary goal of dialogue is to transform the dynamic of the conflict, not to settle or resolve the conflict. The idea is to reduce polarization and hostility as well as promote a level of trust between the adversaries so that they can:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the conflict and the motivations, interests and values reflected in people’s positions;

• Coexist within the bounds of civility, with debate focused on the merits of their contrasting beliefs, not on stereotyped and dehumanized “enemies”;

• Act together when it furthers overlapping interests and values. This is the area we call the “common ground.”

Changing the relationship between adversaries in this way contributes to a higher level of discourse, one that can reveal the elements of truth in each perspective, and the areas where working together might make a difference.

Within dialogue is a freedom to acknowledge pockets of uncertainty or mixed feelings that are rarely allowed in the public debate. The process of dialogue incorporates establishing sufficient trust and mutual respect between participants by sharing relevant experiences and perceived goals for the dialogue, a model of asking genuine, open-ended questions, active listening, acknowledging connections, small group settings, and the presence of a facilitator whose job it is to maintain the atmosphere of dialogue meetings by enforcing the group-determined ground rules and remaining open-ended about the end goals or results of the meetings.

What is the Role of a Facilitator?

Good facilitation is critical to a successful dialogue

The role of a facilitator is to create a safe space, encouraging people to share their experiences and insights in respectful and productive ways.

The facilitator is impartial and does not favor one person or point of view, or add personal opinions.

In consultation with the conveners and the dialogue participants, the facilitator creates an agenda for the meeting.  In the meeting, it is the facilitator’s job to keep the group moving forward, using phrases that enhance conversations and encourage discussion.  In doing so the facilitator has to understand the goals of the dialogue, thinking ahead of time about the directions in which the discussion might go, and prepare questions to help the group tackle their subject.  The facilitator lets the participants dictate the flow of the discussion.  The facilitator helps to set and follow ground rules for participation in the dialogue and guides the process to ensure that it stays on track and avoids obstacles that could derail it.  The facilitator also acts as the timekeeper during the meeting, and ensures that speaking time is shared equitably among participants.  They make sure that equal weight is given to all perspectives and that no individual dominates the conversation.