Campus Connection

Faculty member Tim Dale shares strategies in this TEDxUWLaCrosse video

Dreading that family picnic with your uncle who always wants to talk politics? Tim Dale, UWL associate professor of Political Science and Public Administration, provides tips on how to talk politics and keep friends.

“If we can’t talk politics in a democracy, then we are not doing our jobs.”

A key part, says Dale, is actively listening instead of waiting for your chance to talk. As you listen, try to understand why someone is making the arguments they are. Use these phrases to more deeply understand someone’s reasoning and develop common ground. I understand where you are coming from … I can see why you would believe that … I think we can agree on a basic premise that … Dale shared the tips as part of UWL’s TEDxUWLaCrosse event in February. To hear his full talk.

Watch the video

Dale’s talk was featured in the summer Lantern magazine.