¿Cómo podemos comunicar a través de la esperanza?

How can we communicate through hope?

They say that communication is the foundation of human relationships, allowing us to transmit information, influence others, or express our emotions and feelings; as well as build, strengthen, exchange, and even strengthen interpersonal relationships when necessary.

However, some situations or issues make positive communication difficult, such as those related to the defense of human rights. But this does not mean that, as faith communities, we should allow feelings such as fear or hopelessness to prevent dialogue that fosters the acceptance of different points of view for the sake of building a better society.

Hope: the basis for improving relationships with others

We live in a time when eagerness seems to overwhelm what's important: basing communication on values ​​that foster dialogue between people with opposing ideas. To achieve this, it's necessary to understand that addressing issues we disagree on shouldn't be a cause for separation or discontent.

To achieve this, we share five tools that will help you confront opposing points of view.

  • Make trust the basis of dialogue

    Recognize the other person as someone with important opinions. Try to put aside your prejudices and consider that, just like you, they base their arguments on their emotions.

    • Get informed

    From a spiritual perspective, having diverse perspectives allows you to better understand and take an informed position. Try to explore beyond your own perspective.

    • Focus on listening and put rivalry aside

    Approach communication as a space to recognize your differences and those of the other person. Don't assume you must win or be right, and strengthen your understanding through listening.

    • Keep in mind that dialogue does not mean agreeing.

    Even if you listen to and validate opposing opinions, it doesn't mean you have to agree. It's okay to disagree as long as there's respect on all sides. 

    • Try to find common ground

    Differences aren't always resolved through dialogue, but it's important to try to reach agreements to build healthy coexistence.

    Small changes, big results

    To change the way we communicate, it's important to start with ourselves.

    As communications strategist Thomas Coombes suggests in his guide to hope-based communication, there are a series of actions applicable to any aspect of life that foster an optimistic mood as an intrinsic strategy for resolving any differences.

      • Talk about solutions, not problems.
      • Highlight what you support, not what you oppose.
      • Build spaces conducive to opportunities.

    In this sense, adopting hope as a principle of communication involves validating different points of view without compromising your own opinions. Keep in mind that dialogue is a process of tolerance and active listening in which there is no room for conflict. With these recommendations, you will be closer to achieving communication in which all opinions matter.

    Back to blog