Now, more than ever, we need to be able to talk to people who disagree with us. Whether among family members, close friends and colleagues, or door knocking for a campaign, we need to develop skills that will help us build relationships across the political divide. The only way to bring civility back into our public discourse is to practice and model conversations that lead with curiosity and non-judgement. Our goal is to build relationships rather than change minds. We are often told these days there is more that unites us than divides us. This process will help us identify and celebrate common values and fears.

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to:

• Spark meaningful conversations by building an initial connection

• Listen for values and fears beneath someone’s words

• Paraphrase with empathy so others feel heard

• Share your perspective with care and confidence

• Respond without judgment, even in disagreement

• Keep conversations open and constructive

Join voice and speech coach, TEDx Speaker, author, Rena Cook for an interactive and entertaining process to move our conversations toward civility and respect.

Light refreshments will be served beginning at 5:30 with the speaker starting at 6:00. Free to attend but space is limited. Registration and $20 donation in lieu of ticket purchase requested.

Speaker Information

Rena Cook is President the Board of Sally’s List and their voice and speech coach. Through her consultancy, Vocal Authority, she trains attorneys, executives, and sales teams. A Professor Emerita at OU, she taught voice, speech & dialects. She is also a TEDx speaker and author of Empower your Voice: For Women in Business, Politics and Life and Her Voice in Law. She is an adjunct at OCU. She has an MA in Voice Studies from London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, an MFA in Directing and an MA in Guidance and Counselling. Her guilty pleasure is voicing video games and animation.