civil discourse quick check

Civil discourse refers to the exchange of ideas and opinions in a respectful manner, even when there are disagreements. Here are some quick checks to ensure your conversation is civil:

1. **Listen Actively**: Are you truly listening to understand the other person's perspective, or just waiting for your turn to speak?

2. **Respectful Language**: Are you using language that is respectful and avoids insults, name-calling, or inflammatory remarks?

3. **Stay On Topic**: Are you keeping the discussion focused on the issue at hand, rather than attacking the person you’re speaking with?

4. **Ask Questions**: Are you encouraging the other person to explain their viewpoint by asking clarifying questions instead of making assumptions?

5. **Acknowledge Differences**: Are you recognizing that it's okay to have different opinions and validating the other person's right to hold theirs?

6. **Avoid Interrupting**: Are you allowing others to finish their thoughts before jumping in with your own?

7. **Seek Common Ground**: Are you trying to find areas of agreement or shared values, even in disagreement?

8. **Be Open-Minded**: Are you willing to reconsider your own viewpoints based on the conversation?

9. **Use "I" Statements**: Are you expressing your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements (e.g., "I feel..." or "I think...") to reduce defensiveness?

10. **Know When to Step Back**: Are you able to recognize when a conversation is becoming unproductive, and do you know when to pause or take a break?

Using these checks can help foster a more constructive and civil conversation.