Dialogue is a special kind of discourse that enables people with different perspectives and worldviews to work together to:
- Dispel mistrust and create a climate of good faith
- Break through negative stereotypes
- Shift the focus from transactions to relationships, creating community
- Make participants more sympathetic to one another even when they disagree
- Prepare the ground for negotiation or decision making on emotion-laden issues
- Expand the number of people committed to decisions on challenging issues
To explain dialogue we contrast it with debate, a more common form of discourse. Both are essential in decision-making, but they have different purposes. Debate is about winning; dialogue is about learning.
| DIALOGUE IS ABOUT LEARNING | DEBATE IS ABOUT WINNING |
| Assuming that others have a piece of the answer | Assuming there is one right answer – and you have it |
| Collaborative: looking for common understanding | Combative: Attempting to prove the other side wrong |
| About finding common ground | About winning |
| Listening to understand and find basis for agreement | Listening to find flaws and make counter-arguments |
| Bringing up your assumptions for inspection and discussion | Defending your assumptions |
| Discovering new possibilities and opportunities | Seeking an outcome that agrees with your position |