1. The Art of Listening: Application & Practice
32nd Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly May 2019
Brian J. Collins
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Founder & Director of SoCal Philosophy Academy

2. Acknowledgment of the Difficulty!
Process oriented
Skill & character focused (practice and habit)
Must actively work against automatic responses
This application and practice is idealized
Life-long learning!
Work/life balance – especially difficult if you see your “work” as vocational

3. Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Philosophy starts from a place of WONDER
Productive dialogue requires authentic speaking, and more importantly, LISTENING! (“speaking and listening from the heart”)
Skills:
being open to WONDER
HUMILITY
Creative and critical thinking
Collaboration
Dialogue/communication
Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc.
Charitability

4. Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Authentic/Intentional Listening (“The Art of Listening”):
Assumptions are barriers
Be present and attentive – practice mindfulness
Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand
Show humility – don’t seek to be right
Summarize, recap, and clarify
Invite further dialogue
Basic Practices for Active Listening
Be present and attentive – practice presence
Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand
Reflect - mirror what is being said
Show humility – don’t seek to be right
Summarize, recap and clarify
Invite further dialogue
Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

5. Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Constructive dialogue (“civil discourse”) must be facilitated by a common process (i.e., valuable and authentic communication about any topic can only happen after there is a process, acknowledgment, recognition, etc. of a process and common goal)
Basic Practices for Active Listening
Be present and attentive – practice presence
Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand
Reflect - mirror what is being said
Show humility – don’t seek to be right
Summarize, recap and clarify
Invite further dialogue
Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

6. Guidelines
Listen “from the heart.” Try not to be thinking of a response or your own story when you are not the speaker. Seek to be able to repeat what the speaker shares in a way that they would affirm.
When it is your turn to speak, speak concisely in order to stay within the designated time limit.
Pause briefly between speakers to let things “sink in” and for the next speaker to gather their thoughts.
Seek to share a story and ideas, not to persuade.
Individuals are always free to “pass” on speaking.
Conclusion/Summary
Review skills, process, acknowledging difficulty, etc.
Skills:
being open to WONDER
Creative and critical thinking
Collaboration
Dialogue/communication
Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc.
Charitability

7. Process Form small groups (3 or 4 people is ideal)
Briefly introduce yourself (name/institution/title or role) (take turns speaking in a clockwise direction) (no more than 30 seconds each)
Think about the topic of IMMIGRATION. What in your life experience has shaped your general perspective on the topic? (think is terms of sharing a story) (1 minute) (The purpose of taking this time is to avoid trying to formulate your thoughts while others are speaking)
Share your story (take turns speaking in a clockwise direction) (3 minutes maximum for each)
Next, respond to what you have heard (2 minutes max for each) Do you have any mixed feelings or any uncertainties about any aspect of your perspective?
If there is any remaining time, please engage in “open conversation,” using “I statements,” seeking clarification, identifying agreements, or reflecting on the process.
Conclusion/Summary
Review skills, process, acknowledging difficulty, etc.
Skills:
being open to WONDER
Creative and critical thinking
Collaboration
Dialogue/communication
Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc.
Charitability
This procedure is adapted from Darrell Jodock’s plenary session at the 2018 Vocation of a Lutheran College Conference (Augsburg University - Minneapolis, MN)

8. @SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy
Thank you! Best wishes with your diligence (and patience) in your continued engagement with difficult dialogues!
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