The meaning of ‘dialogue’ is ‘flow of meaning’. Dialogue seeks to build understanding of different positions, and it is a collaborative process of shared inquiry, exchange, listening and reflecting. Dialogue enlarges possibilities and sometimes changes points of view. Dialogue is discovery-oriented and can remain open-ended, without having to come to a common conclusion.
Qualities of public dialogue
Dialogue is not just about expressing views.
Dialogue:
- Invites exploration and learning
- Seeks to broaden and deepen understanding
- Aims to generate a pool of information, views, experiences and creative ideas
- Is a process of collective meaning making
- Builds trust and mutual respect across differences
- Values personal experience and storytelling
- Does not need to reach a conclusion or decision
- Is a form of divergent communication - expansive and opening