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What is dialogue?

Drawing on the expertise of our host organization the SFU Centre for Dialogue, Canada's World uses dialogue to help Canadians write a new story for our role in the world.

Dialogue is a process of open-minded interaction, where people come together to seek mutual understanding and common ground. At Canada's World events, citizens are encouraged to use dialogue to collaboratively write a new story that articulates their vision for Canada's role in a changing and complex world.

 

DEBATE

DIALOGUE

  → Assumes there is one right answer (and you
    have it)

 Assumes that others have pieces of the answer

 Attempts to prove the other side wrong

 Attempts to find common understanding

 Objective is to win

 Objective is to find common ground

 Listening to find flaws

 Listening to understand

 Defends personal assumptions

 Explores and tests personal assumptions

 Criticizes others' point of view

 Examines all points of view

 Defends one's views against others

 Admits that other's thinking can improve one's
    own

 Searches for weakness and flaws in the    
    others' positions

 → Searches for strengths and value in the others'
    positions 

 Seeks an outcome that agrees with your
    position

 → Seeks an outcome that creates new common
    ground 

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