CLARA 2.0 Incorporating compassion, mindfulness and motivational interviewing into communication with others

The CLARA 2.0 communication technique is based off of the traditional LARA/CLARA (Tinker, 1992) model of communication. The new CLARA model is intended to allow for more listening and compassion. It is based on the following assumptions:

1. Conversations with people of different viewpoints are important: Talking with people that hold different viewpoints from us is vital to building connections, changing minds and changing institutions. No matter the immediate outcome of the conversation, the act of truly communicating with someone of a different viewpoint plants a seed that may develop down the road.

2. Conversations with people of different viewpoints are difficult: We can experience strong emotions and overwhelming thoughts when attempting to engage in these conversations. They can bring up past trauma and hurt, sometimes it is best to not pause the conversation or suggest the individual seek professional assistance from someone that can help the individual deal with the past trauma.

3. We must be the first to model authentic listening and respect: Our job is to practice skills and techniques to help others, we are in the best place to model these skills for others.