The Better Discussions Handbook
This free handbook has everything you need to understand why it’s hard to have conversations about important issues, and how to make them easier. Highlights include:
How to create a discussion-friendly environment
How to make difficult discussions easier
Structuring discussions to minimize conflict and maximize engagement
A constructive disagreement framework
Activities, interactives, and discussion planners
Guidelines on how to address problems when they arise
Games & Interactives
Add some variety to your discussions by using the following games and interactives.
Value Cards
The Value Cards activity is a perspective-taking game where participants experience how their values influence their views on political and social issues, and how prioritizing different values can lead to different opinions.
What do you want to read?
In this online interactive, participants rate how much they agree or disagree with a statement about a social or political issue, and then choose which headlines they would be most interested in reading. This activity is a quick way for people to experience how confirmation bias affects their decisions about what kind of information they read.
Sharks vs. Bears
This online interactive that explores in-group bias sorts participants into one of two categories: Sharks, or Bears. They then experience how being sorted into groups – no matter how meaningless – can impact how they think about members of their own groups, as well as others.
Handouts and Downloads
Download the following resources help structure and plan your next discussion.
PLANS for Constructive Disagreement
When discussions turn into disagreements, remember your PLANS! This handy mnemonic is an easy way to help get discussions back on track, and can be downloaded and printed.
Identity Chart
Identity Charts are a quick and easy way to help participants learn more about each other. Use it to break the ice and look past stereotypes when you are having discussions with a diverse group of participants.
Iceberg Activity
In this activity, participants express their opinion on a topic and then dive beneath the surface to reflect on the beliefs, experiences, and values that shaped that opinion. Use it to help people who disagree find common ground.
Discussion Planner
Use this planner to help structure your next discussion. Set out your topic, goals, and anticipate any issues that may arise.
Preparing for Discussion: Participant’s Guide
Distribute this handout in advance to help participants prepare for difficult discussions. Participants can consider the topic and how they might respond in advance.