This teach-in was presented by Dr. Brian Pappas of the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Boise State University on November 9, 2017.

People believe listening is a passive enterprise: that being good at it requires merely silence and eye contact. But in reality, good listening is an active, engaged, curiosity-driven probing activity that--at its best--builds connection, trust, and respectful understanding. When done well, it can help bring disparate points of view together, even when people heartily disagree. When done poorly, however, conversation becomes a deafening shouting match between winners and losers that drives people apart. This session will impart very tangible communication skills that will enable participants to have more dynamic and meaningful dialogue. Be prepared for interactive exercises.