ABSTRACT
Context Talk refers to any conversation or dialogue that involves a dimension of diversity. Whether in the classroom, consulting room, or in supervision, the task of effectively and seamlessly integrating Context Talk into the process is often a challenging endeavor even for the most experienced Supervisor and/or Trainer. Most attempts to talk openly and candidly about virtually any dimension of diversity are frequently greeted with extreme caution and trepidation, unabashed avoidance, or conflict escalation. In any case, the results are usually the same: an absence of meaningful engagement involving Context Talk. The more Context Talk is avoided, the more difficult it is to develop the experience, comfort, and skill to have meaningful conversations. One of the principal reasons underlying the hesitancy or unwillingness to fully engage in Context Talk is the lack of “know how” or skill to do so. Like any other challenging topic, Context Talk requires possession of a well-honed skill set to ensure its relative success. Full and effective engagement in Context Talk requires participants to have some degree of mastery of both basic communication skills as well as a keen understanding of advanced Context Talk-related skills. Both are briefly highlighted below.
