When talking feels dangerous...
It’s time for a new approach.
We don't have to argue. We don't have to fight.
When talking with people we disagree with, it’s natural to take a defensive stance. We’re trained to defend our views and prove our points. That approach is fine when we’re in school but in the real world, talking to family, friends, and co-workers, it sets us up as adversaries. It destroys relationships.
My name is Lisa Swallow. In my role as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Crossing Party Lines, Inc., I have facilitated more than 150 lively conversations that cross political divides. These days I’m finding opportunities to get people talking in other venues as well: Homes, businesses, churches, schools.
If you have people you’re no longer able to connect with, due to differences in political views or just approaches to life, I can help. I offer:
- Workshops
- Consulting
- Coaching
- And books for those of you who want to do it on your own.
I teach you how to express your views in a way that invites others to listen and then how to ask for what you want in a way that makes it possible to get what you need. Mine is a three-pronged approach to communication that incorporates:
1. Taking charge of how you show up in a conversation.
2. Listening to others in a way that fosters a true exchange of ideas.
3. Talking to others in a way that honors your truth without invalidating theirs.
Interview on Finding our Fit with Susanna Calvert
Speaking and Consulting
Almost two-thirds of Americans are afraid to speak our minds. We’re afraid of losing our jobs, our friends, and even our standing within our families. Some of us are afraid of being physically attacked.
Sharing our views can be risky. It doesn’t have to be.
Diversity doesn’t need to take it’s toll in our workplaces, at our dinner tables, or in our personal lives. We can turn this threat to free expression around, but only when we turn ourselves around and look at it from a new angle. Let me show you how.
Contact me!
Workshops
I offer workshops that will help you develop the skills that make talking across political differences possible.
Once a month I offer these workshops free of charge through Crossing Party Lines, Inc.
Visit my Workshops page to schedule private workshops for your church group, business, or organization.