Sunday Jan. 4. at 10:00 at One Roof’s Central Hillside Community Center at 12 East 4th Street in Duluth (coffee / chat at 9:30).

Whether you’re an atheist, a skeptic, or simply someone who values reasoned dialogue, LSF’s January speaker will equip you with tools to create more meaningful, respectful, and successful exchanges.

Have you ever stepped out of a conversation about religion or world-views feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or simply exhausted? Many of us have wondered why some discussions seem to go in circles, and why connecting across deep disagreements can feel so difficult. This presentation explores how the newest research in the science of influence, persuasion, and argumentation can be used effectively to transform those moments. We’ll cover practical techniques for having thoughtful, productive conversations with people whose beliefs differ dramatically from your own, so you can walk away feeling informed, confident, and even inspired rather than drained.

DR. RAJIV VAIDYANATHAN is a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota Duluth and an expert in the psychology of influence and decision making. He has won awards for his teaching, research, and service at the University. In addition to his academic work, Rajiv is a sought-after speaker on the psychology underlying leadership,
sales, and executive decision making. He has worked with several large Fortune 50 companies as well as local and regional businesses. He teaches consumer behavior and marketing research and is actively engaged in applying behavioral science to organizational challenges.