Conversation Moves
Communication and discussion online can be challenging. Without the benefit of non-verbal clues and cues— such as facial expressions, tone, and intonation— we may struggle to process comments or engage in dialogue.
These "conversation moves" are designed to facilitate your comfort, support, and practice in meaningful and substantive discussion online.
I've adapted these moves specifically for our class from The Out of Eden Dialogue Toolkit and brought them to life using icons from The Noun Project. I have even added some moves of my own to extend the fantastic work of the folks at Harvard’s Project Zero.
Try the moves separately or mix n' match.
Download a PDF of the Conversation Guide here to use with your Screen Reader.
NOTICE:
What stands out to you or catches your eye in this person's post? What do you notice or find interesting? Make specific observations.
APPRECIATE:
Share what you like, admire, or value in the person's post. Offer specific details describing what or why you appreciate those aspects or ideas.
INQUIRE:
Probe for more details about an idea. Inquire and ask questions that will help give you a better sense of another person's perspective or enlighten.
SNIP:
Cut and paste a phrase or sentence from a reading, resources, or classmate's original post into your comment with attribution. Ask a question about it or say what you find interesting or important about it.
CONNECT:
Make a connection between something in a classmate's post and your own experiences, feelings, interests, and opinions.
EXTEND:
Describe how the post extended your thoughts in a new direction, gave you a new perspective, or raised your awareness. OR, expand upon ideas shared in the post to add insights, angles, or ways of looking or thinking about a topic.
Point of View (POV):
Express your point of view, position, or opinion. OR take on a different viewpoint, play "devil's advocate," and stimulate healthy debate.
CHALLENGE:
Question or challenge a point of view or ideas someone else has shared in a thoughtful and respectful way, advancing a fruitful debate.
INVITE:
Engage in a curious appeal for additional details or discussion, requesting specific elaborations or explanations. Extend and invite more conversation.
REFLECT:
Reflect on, articulate, and share aspects of your own identity, experiences, or life context that may influence the way you see things or respond to ideas.
Step Inside:
Imagine yourself in another person's shoes and anticipate how their experience may differ from your own. What might this person be thinking about or focusing on? What might this person believe or care deeply about?