The Psychology of Receptivity and Repair
In polarized conversations, people often experience internal dissonance – a clash between what they believe, what they feel, and how they want to be seen. We’ll explore how such psychological discomfort shapes communication, resistance, and receptivity. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of dissonance and how to shift the tone, tempo, or framing of a conversation to keep it open without forcing agreement.
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Navigate cognitive dissonance in a way that preserves trust and keep dialogue open
🧠 Cognitive Dissonance Theory
🧠 Persuasion
🧠 Reactance & Self-Affirmation Research
☑️ Recognize when dissonance drives resistance
☑️ Understand how cognitive dissonance plays out in high-stakes messaging
☑️ Learn what shuts down/opens up dialogue
☑️ Practice micro-strategies to shift tone and lower defensiveness
You’re navigating tension in messaging
You want to reduce defensiveness without losing clarity or conviction
NGOs and Advocacy Orgs
Who want to introduce challenging ideas without shutting down conversation
Conflict Mediators
Seeking tools to help people stay present and responsive when discomfort threatens connection
Cross-Coalition Leads
Who need strategies for managing internal friction within diverse alliances
Public Speakers
Looking to deliver high-stakes messages that challenge norms without provoking unnecessary resistance