Hello, everybody. Nat and I would just like to talk to you about some of the way that we discuss these very immortive animal welfare issues on our forums and on our discussion boards. We recognize that animal welfare is a topic which we're very passionate about. And we have a lot of opinions and a lot of feelings about animal welfare. Nat and I do as well, but it's important that while we're on the forums we treat each other with respect and that we have our debates in a constructive manner. So Nat and I are just gonna talk a little bit about having a debate about an animal welfare topic and we're going to show you two ways of doing it. And one of which is going to be a slightly incendiary way and the other is going to be a more respectful way. So for example, Nat and I disagree on animal welfare issues quite a lot of the time in fact. >> Well, we don't disagree on animal welfare issues. We disagree sometimes on the emphasis put on animal welfare. >> Yes, absolutely. [LAUGH] But Nat and I still have a very good working relationship and even a friendship. Even though we sometimes have these disagreements. And so we're gonna demonstrate exactly how that works. So, for examples sake, let's say I was to say, Nat, I think you're absolutely wrong about that animal welfare issue you mentioned about. In fact, I think what you said was really actually quite stupid. >> Well, I'm really sorry that you felt that way. But I have an opinion. And, in fact, I believe very strongly that the evidence that I brought to that discussion was much better than the evidence that you brought. And, in fact, I can't see why you would have such a stupid opinion. >> You clearly haven't looked at my evidence at all, have you? >> No, I haven't, in fact, I'm not sure why I'm reading it at all, I mean, it really is quite a waste of my time. >> That's an idiotic view point, you are clearly an uninformed idiot. So that might be a little bit melodramatic but that's the kind of thing that can happen when our passions are aroused by animal welfare issues. And one of the things that we can do as a bit of conflict resolution is to try and change the way we talk about things. So one thing we could do is we could talk about how something makes us feel. So let's run this again using slightly more respectful language. So, Nat, that animal welfare issue you talked about, I was very concerned about one of the things that you mentioned and it worries me a lot. >> Okay, well I'm sorry that you're worried, so perhaps we can discuss it further so that we can better understand each other. >> Absolutely. Some of the evidence that I saw, I am not convinced by it. What can you tell me about that? >> Okay, well let me go into a little bit more detail, and then perhaps afterwords you can tell me whether that helps clarify the points. >> Absolutely. So your evidence has talked about this. I have further evidence, which I'm not so sure about. And, in the end, I don't think we're going to agree on this one. >> So it might be that we have a difference of opinion, perhaps based on our different ethical perspectives, our different cultural sensitivities, our knowledge of different things. And it might be that we're just gonna have to agree to disagree on this. >> I think so. You see, when we're talking to each other on the internet and on these discussion forums and boards. We can't always see one another. We can't see our facial expressions. And we can't actually always remember that there's somebody, a person, on the other side of the screen who's reading what you say and maybe very offended by it. >> Yes, so I think it's really important that we recognize that we want people to have robust debate because that makes for, I think much stronger discussions and it means we actually test ourselves. So that's all good. But we also recognize that we have to do that in a very respectful and sensitive way. So that we do actually give people room to have a different opinion to ours, and even to challenge the evidence that we sometimes feel is absolutely concrete. But somebody else might have a better version or they might have stronger evidence. So I think it's important for us to recognize that science is all about the pursuit of truth. It's not always about the fact that it is the truth, and people have different ethical perspectives. >> Absolutely. So when your interacting with one another on the forums we have some key messages for you. The first, remember to talk about how something makes you feel instead of talking about somebody else. Use language like I feel worried about this, or I feel concerned about this. >> Or it is my opinion. >> It is my opinion that such and such thing is the case. Remember that there is somebody else on the other side of the screen, and your words can hurt. Read over what you said especially if it's made you feel angry or upset and think is this definitely something I want to post right now? Would it be better if I go away have a cup of tea come back and read it again? And- >> And also yes, I mean recognize that the two of us are communicating not just with words and in fact. A lot of our ability to have robust discussion is based around the fact that we can see each other. And so, we're using expressions to try and soften the blow. We might smile for example when we're saying something the other person might not agree with. It's difficult to do that when you are using words on a computer. But there are ways of doing that and you can show that you have different emotions using different, I don't know what they're called actually, little symbols that you can use. >> Yes, you can use emoticons. >> Little smile faces. >> So you can put a smile in and you can even just say to somebody, I am being sarcastic right now or use language that, remember you've got to utilize your full range of expression online as well as best you can. >> Yes, so I think our quote for today is going to be that nothing great can be achieved without respect and also without enthusiasm. So we hope that you'll have extremely enthusiastic discussion, but also very respectful. >> Absolutely. We look forward to seeing you there. Good bye! >> Bye!
