Open Dialogue Workshop Hosted at USC

The Open Dialogue Project led an interactive event focused on bridging communication gaps.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Modern, sunlit university seminar room with polished concrete floors and oak wall panels, empty of people or furniture. — The Open Dialogue Project hosted a workshop at USC on Monday, focusing on communication techniques to bridge ideological gaps between individuals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Are you personally open to changing your mind when discussing differing perspectives with others?

The Open Dialogue Project hosted the Why Some Conversations Change Minds workshop at USC on Monday. The event encouraged participants to explore how to find value in discussions with people from different backgrounds.

Why it matters

The workshop was held to help attendees improve their ability to have meaningful conversations with those who hold different perspectives. It highlights techniques for engaging effectively across ideological divides.

A post-event poll showed that 42% of attendees changed a belief based on new information, while 70% of polled NPR listeners expressed a desire to speak with their conversation partner again.

The players

Jonathan Webster

He served as the host of the Why Some Conversations Change Minds workshop.

Wesley Clum

He is a sophomore student at USC majoring in political science.

The Open Dialogue Project

This organization facilitates workshops aimed at improving interpersonal communication.

USC

This university served as the host site for the community workshop.

The details

Attendees participated in one-on-one sessions with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engaged in an activity where they guessed the professions of people shown in photographs. The session was hosted by Jonathan Webster and included participants like USC political science student Wesley Clum.

September 21, 2026: The Open Dialogue Project workshop occurred.

Political Context

The workshop follows a pattern established by NPR data, which highlights an increasing desire among listeners to maintain contact after meaningful dialogue. Critics, however, often argue that such workshops struggle to overcome deeply entrenched systemic biases that cannot be solved by conversation alone.

Local residents looking to improve their communication skills can apply the techniques practiced at the USC workshop to their own professional and personal networks. These methods may assist citizens in navigating complex political discussions with neighbors or colleagues in the Los Angeles area.

The takeaway

Engaging with people who hold different viewpoints requires intentional effort and an openness to changing one's own beliefs. Listeners can improve their own communication by actively seeking out perspectives that challenge their current assumptions.