If you’ve ever frozen during a challenging conversation, or if you’re facing a difficult classroom or colleague, this is the tool for you.

This cheat sheet will help you navigate difficult conversations and form genuine connections across difference. In the work of higher education, everyone faces individuals and ideas that oppose our beliefs and opinions — encountering different viewpoints should be a welcome opportunity. How do we ensure these encounters are productive instead of leading to dead ends? Follow this guide to winsomely disrupt tribal inclinations and create better cultures of dialogue.

This postcard includes tested conversational moves alongside broader principles for empathetically engaging with others. Print and keep a copy somewhere accessible so you can use it throughout your working week. Over time, practicing these principles can effectively improve cultures of dialogue on campus.