From Debate to Dialogue: Building Skills for High-Stakes Conversations

Empowering Montana State University students and partners to foster respectful, constructive dialogue in a polarized world.

What is Skills to Dialogue?

Skills to Dialogue is an initiative at Montana State University designed to help students, faculty, and community partners develop the essential tools needed to engage in meaningful, respectful, and effective conversations—especially when tensions are high and stakes are personal.

In a time when many conversations quickly devolve into debate or division, Skills to Dialogue provides training that encourages listening, understanding, and constructive exchange. Our program helps participants learn how to move beyond winning arguments to cultivating shared understanding.

Skills to Dialogue Workshop Outline

  • Duration: 90 Minute
  • Participant Count: Minimum of 5
  • Skills Taught
    • Self-Regulation
    • Asking Strong & Respectful Questions
    • Intent vs. Impact
  • Skill implementation 
    • Mini engaging activity for each skill
    • Practice dialogue session

Why Does it Matter to Montana State University? 

Montana State University is committed to preparing students not only for their future careers but also for their role as engaged citizens. Skills to Dialogue directly supports MSU’s mission by:

  • Equipping Students with communication skills critical for leadership, teamwork, and civic life.
  • Strengthening community partnerships by fostering dialogue across differences.
  • Promoting inclusive excellence through practices that welcome diverse perspectives.
  • Addressing relevant challenges by creating space for respectful engagement on complex social, cultural, and political issues.

By investing in dialogue, we help our students and partners build stronger, healthier communities in Montana and beyond.

Background 

The Skills to Dialogue initiative was created in response to growing needs on campus and in communities for practical training in communication and conflict navigation. Faculty and staff observed that students often entered high-stakes conversations unprepared, defaulting to debate rather than dialogue.

Drawing from best practices in conflict resolution, communication studies, and dialogue facilitation, MSU and its partners developed this program to create opportunities for growth. We believe that dialogue is not just a skill—it’s a mindset that can transform relationships, classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

Our Goal

Our ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills to move from debate to dialogue. That means:

  • Learning to listen with curiosity rather than preparing a rebuttal.
  • Practicing empathy and perspective-taking.
  • Building confidence to engage respectfully with people who hold different views.
  • Developing lifelong skills for navigating conflict in personal, professional, and civic life.

Through workshops, classroom integration, and community engagement, Skills to Dialogue seeks to prepare students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

How to Get Involved

  • Students: Attend a workshop or sign up for training to build your dialogue skills.
  • Faculty & Staff: Partner with us to bring dialogue into your courses or programs.

Contact Us

If you would like to engage with Skills to Dialogue you can reach out via the following contact information to set up a workshop, or to register!

  • Eden Morin - Student Commons Graduate Assistant

Email: edenmorin@montana.edu

Upcoming Workshops

  • Open workshops coming soon!