Practice listening across differences

1. Invite rather than assume

Ask an open question and let the other person decide what to share. No one owes a personal story or an explanation of their identity.

2. Listen before responding

Try summarizing what you heard and asking whether you understood. Share your experience without claiming to speak for everyone.

3. Respect boundaries

Disagreement does not require a debate. Pause or step away if a conversation becomes hostile, and respect a person’s decision not to continue.

Put it into practice

Use the worksheet to reflect or make a simple plan. The text file can be saved, edited, or printed.

An introductory resource from Peacewalking. Adapt it to your circumstances.