Critical thinking and tools for better communication

Juris Baltačs

Do you remember that time when you took part in a discussion where you felt as if you were talking to a wall? We have all experienced a situation where it may seem that it is self-evident that we are right, but the other person isn't listening to us, doesn't understand or agree with us. Even if you've justified what your position with facts and logical explanations, the other person is still sticking to their point of view. This usually makes both people feel uncomfortable and often feel stress about whether this will be an obstacle to their friendship and further communication between them.  

This course will be about methods of thinking which allow us to be more certain that we have the truth on our side. About communication techniques which will help us to get the other person to listen to our point of view, even when they don't agree with us. Thinking critically means adapting our views to reality. How is this achieved? By learning the basics of methods used by science and by being aware of the kinds of mistakes that we might make in our opinions. This gives us the opportunity to get oriented in the types of topics where we are not experts and we'll be able to catch ourselves, as well as others, in mistakes in thinking which we will know how to correct. After we have understood how to think, without allowing mistakes (or, at least substantially reducing the possibility) we will get into communication methods where we will examine the role of psychology and emotions in communication. We will find out practical methods for use in getting our partners in negotiation to let down their emotional shields, which are often raised when the other side does not agree with us.

In his time, Plutarch said: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled”.

Aim of course: to learn critical thinking and communication techniques for the presentation of facts.

Benefits:

• the ability to recognize fallacies in topics on which you are not an expert;
• the ability to present and analyse an argument;
• practical techniques for effective communication, especially at times when a negotiation partner does not want to accept facts and logic;
• an understanding about the role of emotions in communication and the ability to work with emotional stress during negotiations.

Duration: 2 x 2 hours.

Work method: theory and practical exercises, both individually and in groups.

Target audience: anybody who wishes to develop critical thinking and the skill of argumentation.

Programme

1. Errors in logic. How not to get caught out by them and avoid them ourselves.

Errors in logic arise from shortcomings in our thinking. Often, we don't notice them because they are so widespread that they seem to be a normal component of discussion. 

In this part, there will be individual and group practical work, recognizing errors in logic in our statements and those of other people. Learn ways of responding to them. 

2. How does the scientific way of thinking differ from everyday thinking.

It may seem that relying on intuition may be enough in our everyday lives and that we can leave pedantic thinking methods to science, but the scientific way of thinking is the best way of understanding the real situation. Knowing what our real conditions are is useful far beyond science as well.

3. Methods for proving things and what their hierarchy of credibility is.

We often hear the phrase “studies have shown that…”. 

This part is about how studies tend to vary, and we will find out about what makes one study more, or less, credible than another.

4. How to develop a powerful argument and how to present it so that it is easily understandable.

• An argument is a well-grounded statement. 
• Types of arguments. 
• How to develop a good foundation for an argument. 

In this part, there will be group work on creating and presenting arguments.

5. What is the role of synonyms in communication.

One and the same information can be presented in various ways. Even trying to be objective, we (and others) often impart an emotional feeling to what we say, without realizing it ourselves.  

In this part, there will be individual work imparting emotional feeling to a text.

6. How to get the other person to let down their emotional barriers and listen.

• How do we recognize the type of person with whom you are speaking? 
• How do we present information in a way that it is perceived correctly?
• Emotional barriers during negotiations and what we have to do so that the other person lets them down and listens to our arguments.    

The online seminar will take place on the Zoom platform. Ensure that your computer has a good internet connection, camera, headphones and microphone. The on-line link will be sent to you by email.

If this is required at the corporate level, the programme can be adapted to the specific nature and needs of the company.