How many conversations have you had where both people want to talk and be heard at the same time? Each is speaking, and neither is listening. Pretty confusing and frustrating, isn’t it? Discussion Skill helps to remedy that.
The goal of Discussion Skill is to set up a pattern of taking turns that lets each of you say everything you want to say while your partner Shows Understanding (listens with empathy) to what you’re saying and the underlying feelings behind your words. As you do this you learn from each other. The conversation steadily moves you to a new place where you are ready to solve the problem. This is accomplished as you take turns Expressing Yourself and Showing Understanding. Only one of you can Express Yourself at a time. The other person Shows Understanding.
Practice taking turns, while respectfully expressing and listening to each other, and be surprised at how much more constructive and fulfilling your conversations will be! Try it!
