How do we talk about issues that matter?

Talking about important issues can sometimes be seen as difficult, especially if they are “controversial” topics. However, I think that having these conversations is extremely important, especially in school. I think one of the biggest things we can do in talking about things that matter is to have an open mind. I think that it is sometimes easy for people to get quickly offended or defensive when having these important conversations, however we must completely listen to what the other person has to say before responding. We must be engaged listeners throughout conversations in order to effectively communicate. This allows every person to speak their opinion and give their side of the story. I think in doing this we can respond in the most responsive way and we do not have as much risk of unnecessarily escalating the conversation. I also think that it can be easier to talk about issues that matter by destigmatizing these kinds of conversations. People often shy away from these conversations due to fear of confrontation or arguments, however I think it is important to promote having these talks. Especially as teachers, we can have our students practice talking with each other about issues that matter so that they can develop the skills to communicate effectively and eventually have more conversations in the future. The more people have these conversations, the more comfortable they will be when encountering them in the future. Prioritizing respect and a safe space for conversations is a key component in talking about issues that matter as well.