How to Disagree Better: A Virtual Book Talk Seminar with Julia Minson, PhD

Speaker(s)

• 
  Julia Minson, PhD — Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Event Description

Registration is required to attend. Please register here: https://upenn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Khq_vbzR3ejcBXgzySOmQ.

Join us for an engaging and practical conversation inspired by How to Disagree Better, where we’ll explore why disagreement feels so uncomfortable and how we can do it more effectively.

In today’s polarized world, many of us avoid difficult conversations altogether. Research shows that people would often rather endure discomfort than spend even twenty minutes talking with someone they strongly disagree with. Yet disagreement is unavoidable and essential for healthy relationships, strong organizations, and functioning democracies.

Drawing on decades of research, Julia Minson reveals a powerful but often overlooked skill, receptiveness to opposing views. This webinar will unpack the psychology behind disagreement and show how demonstrating openness, even when you don’t change your mind, can lead to better outcomes in negotiation, conflict resolution, and everyday decision-making.

Through compelling research and real-world examples, we’ll examine why traditional persuasion strategies often fall short and how adopting receptiveness strategies can help bridge divides, reduce conflict, and increase your influence.

Why You Should Join

Rethink Disagreement: Learn why avoiding conflict can be more harmful than engaging in it and how to approach tough conversations with confidence.

Build Receptiveness Skills: Discover practical, research-backed techniques to show openness to opposing views without compromising your own position.

Improve Outcomes: Understand how receptiveness leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more productive dialogue at home, at work, and in your community.

Whether you’re navigating workplace dynamics, personal relationships, or broader societal issues, this session will equip you with tools to disagree more constructively and more effectively.

Organizer(s)