Ep 96: Elizabeth Doll | Shouting louder isn't the answer to communicating across divides

Rethinking Communication

One of my favorite discoveries over the course of hosting this podcast is the concept that in order to communicate across divides and begin to better understand each other, we must learn to adopt the language of those we disagree with and speak in their terms.

Many guests here on the show have touched on this point, but this week’s guest exemplifies this approach more than perhaps anyone else I’ve come across. Elizabeth Doll is the Director of Braver Politics at Braver Angels.

Elizabeth is a Conservative in the Democrat stronghold area of Bainbridge Island, Washington, and she has been active in politics since her teenage years when she began volunteering on political campaigns.

But rather than act like prey backed into a corner by a predator, if I may use that analogy, Elizabeth engages. She seeks out answers to uncomfortable questions. She communicates rather than shouts. And it works.

In this conversation, Elizabeth offers up the strongest case I’ve heard yet for why using the language of those you disagree with, despite how discomforting it might feel, is the best way to open dialogue, uncover common ground, and ultimately, create ways to solve issues together.

Connect with Elizabeth on Twitter at https://twitter.com/doll_elizabeth and check out Braver Angels at https://braverangels.org/.