Facilitating DEI Conversations

What’s Included?

icon High-Quality Video, E-book & Audiobook icon Module Quizzes icon AI Mentor icon Access for Tablet & Phone

Prerequisites

    • Basic Understanding of DEI Concepts
    • Experience in Group Communication or Team Collaboration
    • Openness to Self-Reflection and Growth

Self Study Materials Included

Videos

Engaging visual content to enhance understanding and learning experience.

Podcasts

Insightful audio sessions featuring expert discussions and real-world cases.

Audiobooks

Listen and learn anytime with convenient audio-based knowledge sharing.

E-Books

Comprehensive digital guides offering in-depth knowledge and learning support.

Module Wise Quizzes

Interactive assessments to reinforce learning and test conceptual clarity.

Additional Resources

Supplementary references and list of tools to deepen knowledge and practical application.

What You’ll Learn

Learners will gain the skills to facilitate respectful, psychologically safe discussions on complex topics like race, privilege, and systemic bias.

Participants will learn how to listen deeply, validate diverse perspectives, and foster connection—even during emotionally charged conversations.

Learners will develop tools to de-escalate tension, respond to resistance with empathy, and keep conversations productive and inclusive.

Participants will be equipped to recognize, interrupt, and respond to microaggressions without causing further harm or shutting down dialogue.

Learners will be able to guide conversations toward tangible outcomes, helping individuals and organizations move from awareness to accountability and long-term DEI impact.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Landscape of DEI – Understanding the Foundations

1. Defining DEI – What each term means and how they interconnect

2. The Evolution of DEI Conversations – Why these conversations are more necessary than ever

3. The Importance of DEI in the Workplace – Linking DEI to organizational success and employee well-being

4. The Psychological Safety Net – Building trust and reducing defensiveness when discussing sensitive topics

Module 2: The Role of the Facilitator – Creating a Safe, Respectful Space

1. The Facilitator’s Mindset – Approaching conversations with humility and an open mind

2. Establishing Ground Rules – Setting expectations for respectful dialogue

3. Neutral vs. Active Facilitation – Knowing when to step in and when to allow discussion to unfold

4. Managing Your Own Bias – Self-awareness as a facilitator in DEI conversations

Module 3: Building Empathy and Active Listening Skills

1. The Art of Listening Without Judgment – Creating space for others to share their perspectives

2. Non-Verbal Communication and Cues – How body language and tone impact conversations

3. Responding with Empathy – How to validate experiences without jumping to solutions

4. Emotional Regulation – Managing your emotions and reactions during intense discussions

Module 4: Navigating Conflict – Turning Tension into Productive Dialogue

1. Identifying Conflict Triggers – Spotting common sources of tension in DEI conversations

2. The Power of “I” Statements – How to express discomfort or disagreement constructively

3. De-Escalation Techniques – Practical strategies to cool down heated moments

4. The Role of Courage – Encouraging honest conversations without fear of judgment or reprisal

Module 5: Handling Microaggressions and Defensive Responses

1. What Are Microaggressions? – Recognizing subtle slights and their impact

2. Interrupting Bias in Real-Time – Responding to microaggressions without causing further harm

3. Defensive Responses and How to Manage Them – Strategies for dealing with denial, anger, or withdrawal

4. Maintaining Respect Under Pressure – Preserving psychological safety even in tense moments

Module 6: Creating Actionable Change – Moving Beyond Dialogue

1. From Awareness to Accountability – Ensuring commitments are made and followed through

2. Building a DEI Action Plan – Creating a roadmap for continuous progress

3. Engaging Allies and Advocates – How to create a coalition of support for DEI initiatives

4. Measuring Impact – Tools and methods for tracking DEI conversation outcomes and organizational change

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is ideal for managers, HR professionals, team leads, DEI champions, and anyone responsible for fostering inclusive dialogue in the workplace. It’s designed for both formal facilitators and those who want to lead more inclusive conversations.

No formal experience is required, but a basic understanding of DEI concepts is helpful. The course guides you step by step, building from foundational knowledge to advanced facilitation skills.

That’s completely okay—and expected. The course emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and growth. It’s designed to support facilitators who are learning alongside their participants.

Yes. You’ll receive practical tools like ground rule templates, empathy prompts, conversation frameworks, and action plan templates to support real-world facilitation.

Absolutely. The communication strategies are applicable in internal team settings, cross-functional meetings, and external client or community conversations.