IlluminateSG

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Depends. It is possible to have civil conversations in civil spaces. But not everyone engages in such discussion. There are cases where individuals may not be coming from a place of wanting to understand or respect another\'s opinion and not choosing the best words to frame their thoughts.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

yes and there are a number of soft skills and values that can be taught and reinforced in doing so. Shifting such behaviours may take time but it is possible.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

sometimes, if the arguments are well framed and viewpoints respected

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

yes

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

From tiktok reply videos and instagram comments section. It usually ends with one party leaving the conversation because the other party does not have an open mind.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. Many of us have been through the SG school system and we have learnt how to keep an open mind and to hear both sides of the argument during English lesson discussions.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$40

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

No resolution

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, communication in an effective manner is an important soft skill to develop. Learnt it myself through books, talks, and life experiences!

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

People may say sensitive comments, or make rude jokes, and often online arguments will result in people bringing in different factors for argument. If a poster is able to view the matter critically and include evidence, at times it can be good to see the variety of responses and the various personal experiences someone else may have. For times like this (on the rare side), I feel we can learn from such discussions.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. I feel if people are aware of constructive criticism and how they can adjust the tone and diction of their speech, they can strive to develop a civil conversation.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

When you just intend to stand firm to your views /opinions once others disapprove your views/opinions, ends up pretty nasty at times. Beneficiaries would probably be the onlookers

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, with technology progressing intensely ever since Covid, it\'s easier for people to express their views via keyboards outright yet not receptive to other\'s views

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Just shouting and shaming here and there. Nope.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. So they the controversy can be discussed.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

I feel that most of the time, arguments online are not substantive with enough evidence and not convincing and end up hurting both parts where nobody really benefits

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes I believe it can be honed and developed by inculcating a diverse perspectives and to really put oneself in the other person\'s shoes

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

People seek content that reinforces their own beliefs. People benefit because they find communities that validate their beliefs

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. Its just not being taught properly

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Someone comes up with a controversial opinion of theirs and everyone starts retweeting or stiitching videos and shame them. The truth is , no one benefits from this. Infact, the arguments become more and more unhealthy and toxic and somehow ends up into a nation wide discussion of nothing.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

I believe civil conversations can definitely be achieved through training. However, different people learn this kinda life skills through diff mediums.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

The side with the loudest/most vocal voices win, the other side will mostly choose to keep their opinions to themselves. It will benefit for both sides to be heard, to move towards a more inclusive society where we hear everyone, not just the majority.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes - concepts can be learnt, then sharpened with practice.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

arguments online are carried out through calls/text, it either ends up well with a closure, or ends up horrible and sad. it does benefit people as they are able to say what they want.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

yess! it definitely takes time but i think everything is possible as long as they want to do it.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

It certainly does not end up well. Especially miscommunication and misunderstanding is very much possible

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Sometimes I do feel that it something innate. But if trained enough, a person should be able to carry out a civil convo.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Well, it depends on the online space that you find yourself in

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes!

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

online arguments start off one-sided, probably a remark / comment that\'s polarizing. I don\'t think it\'s beneficial to stir up emotions from keyboard warriors since they don\'t take responsibility for their words too.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, it\'s a skill that can be developed. One of the many crucial conversations skills

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

They are usually passive-aggressive with sarcasm injected here and there. Unless the parties are mature enough for civil discussions, nobody benefits.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, as learning to converse in a way that does not offend other parties and allow one to take into account all stakeholders\' views is important for the smooth working of society.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Arguments happen when two or a group of people hold very strong opinions or views on what is right or wrong, based on their individual beliefs and preferences. They usually result in a heated exchange of words which may escalate into personal attacks and cyberbullying. No one usually benefits from such discourse unless it is a civil exchange of views as most would be too focused on arguing their case rather than trying to understand the other party’s views.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, through education on how to engage in one and through practice scenarios. Other considerations include helping one to control their anger through programmes.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

It could stem from misunderstanding or mistreatment from people at work. Past bad experience can lead to hatred and conflicts. No place to voice their thoughts or be heard could be another conflict point. It can end up very badly as hurt will continue to be passed on. In an argument, no one wins. But if the matter is not resolved, brushing aside matters do not resolve issues. It is better to have a conversation to air the thoughts out.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. Conversation skills can be taught. It helps to develop better structure and allow better clarity of thoughts rather than to just justify the issues through emotions rather than rationalising it. It also allows one to think before they act and to consider a wider perspective and a deeper thought into the underlying issue.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Arguments generally start of by a person who thinks negatively of another person and brings up something to criticise them. This is usually through text message. In response the criticised person would defend themselves and the argument will continue for approximately 3days - 1week . When an argument ends usually both sides will be silent.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes very much so. Since others have their own thought and opinions. It’s best if we work together to try see things from their perspective. This can help us merge ideas together.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

most online arguments are not constructive and end with both parties feeling frustrated. nobody benefits.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

yes! i believe it can be learned

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

They first start when Person A finds an opinion by Person B that they do not agree with and chooses to invalidate Person B\'s opinion or tell the Person B that they are wrong solely because their opinion is at odds with their own. This then spirals into a bitter argument that could end up with name calling and benefits nobody.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. Knowing that other people are entitled to their own opinions that may differ from our own is a step in that direction and believing that we can gain from seeing things from other perspectives can help to develop the skill.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Some end up toxic and becoming like cyberbullying as words can\'t convey the true emotions people have. There are some constructive comments which can benefit people.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

No. When people are emotional you can\'t stop them.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

I think arguments online are done in a orderly and sequential manner. There may be a facilitator to oversee the entire argument. Anyone may or may not benefit from such discourse depending on how the argument was carried out and who was involved in it.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

It can be honed and developed. What one needs is the experience of having civil conversations. By being engaged in a civil conversation, they can learn from and pick up skills they don’t have.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Depends on the platform in which discourses are carried out. Exchanges on professional networking sites like LinkedIn are pretty professional (because most people are using their real names), but it cannot be said the same for all online platforms. Some, yes, are pretty toxic and disparaging.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes definitely - having civil conversations is an art and which can (and should) be developed. Just like most things, it can get better with training.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$20

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Arguments among people are usually meant to bring about clarity on a certain issue but in the case of online means, it is usually just to flame another person on their different beliefs.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes, but it requires close relationship to be taught.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

It ends up not being very fruitful with not good outcome. There is little benefit.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. There are ways to ensure that emotions are not coming into play to solve an issue.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "Describe how you think arguments online are carried out and end up. Does anyone really benefit from such discourse?"

Arguments start and never end. Most lead to insults and slurs and vulgarities due to trolls and other third parties egging then on for their own political interest. No one benefits.

In response to "Do you feel that having civil conversations is a skill that can be honed and developed? Why, or Why not?"

Yes. It just needs people to civil and purposeful in their discussions.

In response to "How much would you pay for a training workshop for such skills?"

$10

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Could look into some ways to sustainably scale this initiative.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Having to pay for such a workshop may lead to a reduced amount of captured audience. Putting a price on this will result in only people who actually want to be better conversationalists/\"discussers\". This will probably be only a small handful of people and will not capture the vast majority of people who actually need better civil conversation skills.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I feel that it might be engaging and helpful to have the participants themselves try to hold discussions while having different assigned viewpoints. They can personally try to stand in the shoes of others, and this can encourage them to think outside of their comfort zone. Additionally, they would know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of certain arguments, and this can enhance their awareness of how they can phrase their own words better.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I feel that you guys can also organise dialogues and workshops to teach participants on how to consider other people\'s perspective, put themselves in other people\'s shoes as well as to really inculcate a diverse perspective as this is a skill that can be honed and taught, which will be paramount in introducing change and good conversational skills in our society.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I would make it free

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Your project is definitely enlightening and necessary in today’s world. With the advent cancel culture, putting out personal opinions has become nothing but more difficult. First of all, it is important to spread awareness that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Unless it affects other’s living, we should not barge in and try to change their mindset. No matter how painful that might be. You guys might look into creating spaces where people can carry out informed conversations if an issue were to rise in our country. So for example, you guys could put up true informations about the issue and post logical and important questions that will truly spark an enlightening debate. Instead of bickering.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Having \"bite-sized\" podcast/videos to reach out/engage, provide an objective summary/highlights of discussions.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

You guys could establish its benefits more and introduce like real life examples where these skills are useful that are very relatable to invoke interest in common people.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

The idea of conversational frameworks is powerful, but I wonder how you plan to reach out to the group that you are targeting, since I expect that your participants may be self-selecting (i.e. already interested in having civil conversations). You can think about the behavioral nudges or incentives you might use to \"draw in\" those whom you identify as perpetuating \"toxic\" or \"negative\" conversations online.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Great to have so many partners & associations! Personally, I think the workshops on conversation skills will be beneficial to the participants. However, to execute or motivate conversations in a safe space, would this be like a debate / toastmasters style?

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

You can record sessions that impart the skills to have quality, researched-based discussions and make it pay per view so that more youths that are interested can pay and watch it during their free time. Normal discussions on the various topics such as mental health can also be recorded for viewing at a later date for the benefit of those who were unable to join the discussion earlier.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I find it a little challenging to identify the actual programme here. May I check if the aim is to organise training workshops? This is what I deduced after answering the survey questions. If so, what are some of the content that would be covered? For example, cultural awareness, ensuring the accuracy of a piece of news based on the source of the article. The idea is good but it seems a little theoretical at the moment. Would be good to see how the idea develops through the showcase of a good education list of programmes/talks.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

The cost for the workshop can be free. There can be a greater incentive to encourage people to join in such conversations to learn how to better communicate to their family or to seek the proper channels to voice their issues or to seek solutions for their unhappiness rather than exploding it out on others or having a bias view to an issue. Can there be greater regularity in the workshop? e.g more episodes or series to learn? What is the takeaway from the workshop that people can use in their daily life? I think adults can learn it too as they are role model for their children, co-workers and family.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I like the idea of having spaces for such conversations to take place!! perhaps smaller group conversations(4-5 people) would allow the participants to have more engagement as they are actively conversing with one another. also, perhaps beyond the conversation, the youths could explore what they can do/take action on - like daily actions or even starting a project together!

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Conversations can be improved by developing the skill in chatting or talking to others in a better way. More than that the character or personality of a person must be improved to deal with online discourses by developing patience and understanding skills. Learning when to stop or where to stop in a conversation is really important. Such skills must be developed.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Just a thought but depending on the age group being targetted, youth may feel the pinch from having to pay a significant amount for the workshop resulting in it being a barrier to entry.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Think about what is of value to the participants to want to sign up for the workshops. Them learning how to have civil debates doesn\'t mean others online will have civil debates with them. It doesn\'t really benefit them.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Agree that having civil conversations is an art that should be honed. While I see the value in doing so, some may not. Amidst the huge variety of hard and soft skills that has been promoted on media, it will be good if the team can put a convincing case as to why having civil conversations is a useful skill to develop - and the benefits of doing so. This will help people realize the importance of your initiative and consequently, the value of paying for workshops to equip them with such skills. All the very best.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

It takes more than outsiders to convince or teach someone a skill like having civil conversations, especially via online. It requires close relationship to be able to guide and educate them.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Provide facts and knowledge on common controversial topics to educate the youths.