For our February 2026 member gathering, Dr. Bonnie Cleaveland led an excellent workshop. We had a huge turnout, with more than 45 participants filling the auditorium at the Main Public Library downtown.
Dr. Cleaveland’s presentation, Productive Dialogue in Polarized Times: Effective Persuasion, addressed a challenge many of us encounter regularly: how to have constructive conversations with people whose beliefs—about politics, media, or even basic facts—differ sharply from our own. Rather than offering platitudes, she grounded the discussion in psychological research and practical strategy.
Participants explored why people become entrenched in “propaganda bubbles,” how identity and emotion shape belief formation, and why direct confrontation often backfires. Dr. Cleaveland emphasized the importance of reducing defensiveness, listening for underlying values, and asking strategic, curiosity-driven questions. The goal is not to “win” an argument, but to create conditions where reflection is possible.
The workshop included concrete tools for fostering understanding and increasing the likelihood of meaningful persuasion—especially with individuals who are open, even if only slightly, to dialogue. Attendees engaged thoughtfully with the material, and the discussion that followed reflected both the urgency of the topic and the community’s commitment to evidence-based approaches.
It was an engaging and timely program, and the strong attendance underscored how deeply this issue resonates with our members.
Watch a video recording of the workshop on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/K6cA0fKluoQ
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How do we talk to people in propaganda bubbles?
Join us for this workshop, led by Dr. Bonnie Cleaveland, on Productive Dialogue in Polarized Times: Effective Persuasion
It can feel impossibly frustrating to talk with people who are deeply immersed in propaganda bubbles. How do we have productive conversations with people whose beliefs about the world—and even about basic facts—seem so different from our own? Not everyone can be reached, but for those who are open to dialogue, there are effective ways to connect.
Dr. Bonnie Cleaveland, psychologist and Vice President of Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry, presents an engaging and timely workshop that offers practical, research-based skills for navigating these challenging conversations. Learn how to foster understanding, reduce defensiveness, and increase the chances of meaningful, persuasive dialogue.
The workshop will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, February 15th in the auditorium of the Main Public Library downtown, located at 68 Calhoun St.
Metered street parking is free on Sundays, and there is parking available in the garage under the library (garage closes at 5).
After the workshop we’ll go out for food and further conversation.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, SHL has funds available to ensure everyone feels welcome and able to participate. If you would like to participate in dining with us after the event but the cost presents a challenge, please email us at shl@lowcountryhumanists.org, and we can discreetly arrange to cover your costs.