Civil Discourse & EDIA

Civil discourse is communication for the purpose of objectively enhancing the understanding of matters of shared or public concern. It is the process of showing respect and facilitating a back-and-forth conversation with people who may have differing opinions or beliefs. 

Civil discourse is: 

• Truthful 
• Productive 
• Audience-based
• About listening and talking
• Each speaker's responsibility

Civil discourse is not:

• Mere politeness
• About telling people who they are
• Purely performative

Adapted from: What is Civil Discourse, American University

Image from: The Think Company