Talking it Out: An Overview
Definition
Talking it out is a term used to describe the process of two or more people engaging in conversation in order to explore feelings, thoughts, and behavior in order to gain insight and come to a shared understanding or resolution. The conversation may involve the sharing of stories, ideas, and feelings, as well as questions and suggestions from the participants. The process of talking it out often results in a mutual understanding of the situation and a resolution to the challenge at hand.
History
Talking it out has been used for centuries as a way of resolving disagreements between individuals, groups, and nations. It has been documented in many cultures, with references to talking it out in ancient Greek, Roman, and Chinese texts. In the modern era, talking it out has become more widely accepted and practiced as a way to address interpersonal conflicts, as well as to facilitate team building and collaboration.
Characteristics
Talking it out is characterized by the following:
* The process of talking it out is voluntary and consensual. All parties involved must be willing and open to the conversation in order for it to be effective.
* The conversation should be conducted in an open and respectful manner. All participants should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.
* The conversation should be focused on the issue at hand. All participants should remain focused on the conversation and not be distracted by unrelated topics.
* The conversation should be conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect. All participants should feel safe and secure in the conversation, and their contributions should be respected.
* The conversation should be conducted in a non-confrontational manner. All participants should be open to exploring different perspectives and ideas in a non-judgmental way.
* The conversation should be conducted in a way that allows for all participants to be heard. All participants should have an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
References
Finer, J. (2007). Talking it out: A guide to resolving conflicts. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Korsgaard, M. A. (2007). Conflict resolution: Talking it out with fairness and respect. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
LaRue, E. (2011). Conflict resolution: A guide for resolving disputes. Boston, MA: Harvard University Press.
Long, N., & Zartman, W. (2005). Conflict resolution: Theory, research, and practice. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Ramsay, J. (2006). Conflict resolution: A practical guide for resolving disputes. London, UK: Routledge.