Includes bibliographical references (pages 221-234) and index.

When conversations seem impossible -- The seven fundamentals of good conversations -- Beginner level: nine ways to start changing minds -- Intermediate level: seven ways to improve your interventions -- Five advanced skills for contentious conversations -- Six expert skills to engage the close-minded -- Master level: two keys to conversing with ideologues -- Conclusion -- Acknowledgments -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.

"In our current political climate, it seems impossible to have a reasonable conversation with anyone who has a different opinion. Whether you're online, in a classroom, an office, a town hall -- or just hoping to get through a family dinner with a stubborn relative -- dialogue shuts down when perspectives clash. Heated debates often lead to insults and shaming, blocking any possibility of productive discourse. Everyone seems to be on a hair trigger. In How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay guide you through the straightforward, practical, conversational techniques necessary for every successful conversation -- whether the issue is climate change, religious faith, gender identity, race, poverty, immigration, or gun control. Boghossian and Lindsay teach the subtle art of instilling doubts and opening minds. They cover everything from learning the fundamentals for good conversations to achieving expert-level techniques to deal with hardliners and extremists. This book is the manual everyone needs to foster a climate of civility, connection, and empathy"--Provided by Amazon.com.