Finding common ground is important because it promotes understanding, builds trust, facilitates problem-solving, and encourages respect. By finding common ground, people can work together to create a more harmonious and productive environment.
Find an article or story on a topic that you don’t agree with. If you can’t find one, select a writing style that you don’t particularly enjoy.
Answer these questions:
- Find any commonalities you share with the other point of view. Do further research if necessary. List them.
- What part of the argument do you think is the most reasonable, or can agree with the most?
- What part do you disagree with the most? Why? Is there a way you could be convinced?
- Why do you think this argument has any validity or support from anyone else?
- What if your point of view is wrong? What if this perspective is right?
- After doing more research on this argument, does it make you want to rethink your position? If not, what would it take for you to be convinced that the argument, or part of the argument is valid?