Everyday EDI: Developing Your Cognitive and Emotional 'Muscle' in Conversations

Respect, positive regard for others and empathy are fundamental to effective relationships. They depend, in part, on our capacity to recognise and navigate the range of human differences we encounter, and to understand their social significance.

This can feel like fraught territory when our intentions do not translate into the impact we have on others. Attention to equality, diversity and inclusion brings considerations of language, behaviour and ways of thinking into everyday interactions. Saying and doing "the right thing" can feel easier said than done. The challenge is often developing the cognitive and emotional muscle to stay engaged when everyday conversations become uncomfortable.

This practical, skills-based session with Fitzroy Andrew develops an EDI lens for everyday academic life and gives you opportunities to practise using it. We will explore ways to start conversations, ask constructive questions, offer alternative perspectives and challenge assumptions without unnecessarily closing the conversation down.

You will also practise responding when conversations become uncomfortable or mistakes are made, and explore how inclusive language can be used in academic writing, titles, abstracts and presentations.

The session will be of value in giving you:

·      more insight into your own cognitive and emotional ‘framing’ of EDI;

·      greater confidence in constructive engagement based on ‘not knowing everything’;

·      approaches for handling difficult moments and missteps.