Book Review

Yankelovich, D., (2001) The Magic of Dialogue: Transforming Conflict into Cooperation, New York: Touchstone Books

Yankelovich suggest that debate is about searching for flaws and weaknesses in the other positions whereas dialogue searches for the strengths and value in other positions. Without equality and the absence of coercive influence, listening, empathy and bringing assumptions into the open we cannot have dialogue, he says. Dialogue and decision-making do not mix – we need to keep them separate for fear of contaminating both. He goes on to suggest valuable strategies for introducing dialogue into routine meetings and shows how casual encounters can be transformed through using dialogic principles.

Yankelovich gives many examples of dialogue in action where opening up of ones vulnerability, letting go the protective self-censoring and political correctness in favour of authenticity and trust, transforms the transactional nature of exchanges into deeper and sustainable relationships. Perhaps one of the most useful chapters is entitled “ Ten potholes of the mind” including practical tips for recognition and action. Depersonalisation, silo-mentality, too much top-down talk between elites and the general public are identified as cultural fault lines which undermine dialogue and threaten the practice of democracy. He suggests that most communication models are best suited to one-way communication often driven by knowledge elites and other hierarchies. Not only do we need to develop new models of communication but also we need to overcome massive resistance among public leaders to get them to engage in real dialogue. Much of the latter part of the book is dedicated to exploring how this might be achieved in the struggle for the soul of America. This is both a practical and a philosophical book that will interest all those interested in transforming conflict and enhancing democracy.

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