Introduction
Civil discourse is a communication aspect that many people have failed to understand and embrace due to its complexity. I grew up with the wrong notion in discussions, mainly at the elementary and high school levels. Conversations comprise people of varied ideas, thoughts, and beliefs, meaning they would not conform to your thought view, an aspect that I have adopted after many years.
Insight of Civil Discourse
I knew that conversations should reach mutual understanding in my early life stages but failed to embrace civil discourse. For instance, I thought having a conversation entails sharing views without considering other parties’ feelings and concerns. I believed that conversations were meant to pass a message marred with hatred, since it is compulsory to reach an understanding. Upon arriving at college, I learned something different, implying that civil discourse does not contain resentments. Supportively, scholars suggest that civil discourse should not be about forcing issues and being bitter with others (Pershing, 2020). As such, I have learned the actual meaning of civil discourse, which will help me engage in satisfactory conversations in future.
The revelation from the mentioned scholar and the experience I received in college has enabled me to have a clear picture of what civil discourse upholds. Earlier, I shouted at the group leader, Eric, whenever he rejected my point. Specifically, I can say that this misleading notion of mutual understanding created enmity between the other group members and me. However, I have developed the right concept depicting the civil discourse principle moving forward. Therefore, this aspect has formed my current position on the matter, whereby I will apply the newly learned basics in my future conversations.
I believed that the politicians had decorum when campaigning in political scenes and arenas. For example, some political opponents abuse the other contender who makes similar remarks. Indeed, I thought civil discourse uses all means to make people understand a point, whether a mutual understanding is reached or not. Ideally, I began practicing the same communication technique, as a conversation aims to agree, despite being familiar or hostile. Similarly, experts argue that everyday conversations occur, where people are expected to mind their tongues and non-verbal cues (MetroEast Community, 2013). Hence, I can attest civility has become part of my daily conversation practices, contrary to what I believed from political exchanges.
Most people overlook the importance of approaching a conversation with sobriety, leading to conflicts. Similarly, I was a victim of this challenge because my conversation with the siblings comprised the same pattern. Admittedly, I knew that my peers could not dictate my communication cue and styles. This position existed for a long time, with constant interruptions and shouting. Later, I learned this practice was wrong after being exposed to the proper civil discourse principle. Currently, I have known to be respectful in every conversation, where my peers and elders receive the same treatment. Consequently, other experts support this norm, arguing that civil discourse should entail a polite tone (Pershing, 2020). Notably, my future conversations will maintain civil discourse without compromising any principles.
Conclusion
My past positions on civil discourse have proven a misled thought and view, considering how I contributed to conversations. Again, the scenarios and experiences have shown that I never applied the right conversational cues, which certain scholars have echoed. As observed, a discussion should comprise mutual sharing of views without showing bitterness or resentment, which I lacked until getting exposed to the correct concept. I have adopted the right civil discourse principles, which have altered the initial position. Therefore, I will use these newly acquired notions and practices to engage in civilized conversations.
References
Pershing, M. (2020). Top 10 ways to engage in civil discourse. https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/faculty-news/top-10-ways-to-engage-in-civil-discourse
MetroEast Community. (2013). Civil Discourse 101. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hebHUGjmcvc
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