Main navigation

From Debate to Dialogue: Conversation Strategies to Build Connection Across Difference

Two outlines of thought bubbles made by people

Personal preparation is key to addressing difficult conversations when they arise, be it the workplace, the classroom, or the residence hall.  Dialogue is the fabric of human interaction and learning, and we also know that sharing diverse perspectives must be done with respect and care for everyone. 

From Debate to Dialogue: Conversation Strategies to Build Connection Across Difference” is a training series created by the OAA Inclusive Excellence unit and Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning to address this important topic. This training is also a qualifying event for the Inclusive Teaching Endorsement.

Upcoming Workshops

We offer two versions of this is a 2-day, 6-hour training opportunity:

  1. From Debate to Dialogue for Multiple Settings teaches participants the skills necessary to building affirming dialogue in interpersonal and interprofessional settings, including the workplace and the classroom. 
  2. From Debate to Dialogue in the Classroom focuses specifically on classroom interactions and covers topics such as: how to create community agreements, how to address issues of psychological safety, policies that impact classroom interactions and discussions, and skills instructors need to facilitate dialogue and how to translate and share those skills with their students. 

These workshops are open to faculty, staff, student employees, instructors, lecturers, GTAs, and all graduate and professional students

Choose the version that is right for you! Register below for an upcoming workshop.

Register for an upcoming From Debate to Dialogue Workshop

From Debate to Dialogue in the Classroom

November 19 and 20, 2024
(In person)

Each day from
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

From Debate to Dialogue in the Classroom

February 5 and 6, 2025 (Virtual)

Each day from
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

From Debate to Dialogue (Multiple Settings)

April 30 and May 1,  2025
(In person)

Each day from
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Gray scattered buckeye leaves small

Customized Workshops

Would you like to have a customized session of this workshop for your department, college or unit? 

Request a consultation

Gray scattered buckeye leaves small

More information

We also offer additional workshops about inclusive excellence.

Learn more about our Inclusive Excellence Education Program

2 groups of wooden figures with thought bubbles over their heads

Strategies for Building Dialogue across Difference

A summary of the key skills from the workshop to use as you strive to build respectful dialogue with your colleagues, classmates, friends, and family.

Have questions or need accommodations?

If you have questions or are in need of additional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Sophia Antoun at Antoun.5@osu.edu or 614-292-2646. Requests made two weeks in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this timeframe.