9 Rules for Conversational Civility

Much conflict in life can be avoided if we would just practice the following rules for civil communication:

1. Listen first, and listen actively.

2. Speak quietly and in a pleasant tone.

3. Take turns; don’t dominate the conversation.

4. Avoid venting and raging.

5. Avoid interrupting unless you are being subjected to a dominator.

6. Don’t assume that others have negative intentions.

7. Ask lots of questions to clarify what others intend before responding.

8. Never be absolutely sure of anything (including this).

9. Avoid the blame game.