Ideas worth spreading

1,910,617 views | Steven Petrow • TED Salon: Doha Debates

3 ways to practice civility

What does it mean to be civil? Journalist Steven Petrow looks for answers in the original meaning of the word, showing why civility shouldn't be dismissed as conversation-stifling political correctness or censorship. Learn three ways we can each work to be more civil -- and start talking about our differences with respect.

This talk was presented at a TED Salon event given in partnership with Doha Debates. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED Salons.

What does it mean to be civil? Journalist Steven Petrow looks for answers in the original meaning of the word, showing why civility shouldn't be dismissed as conversation-stifling political correctness or censorship. Learn three ways we can each work to be more civil -- and start talking about our differences with respect.

This talk was presented at a TED Salon event given in partnership with Doha Debates. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED Salons.

About the speaker

Journalist, author

See speaker profile

Journalist Steven Petrow writes about manners and civility.

Steven Petrow | Washington Post, 2014 | Article

"Introducing Steven Petrow's 'Civilities,' an advice column on LGBT/straight etiquette"

Steven Petrow | New York Times, 2012 | Article

"Making Parents Part of the Gay Wedding Day"

Steven Petrow | All Things Considered, 2014 | Listen

"'He's My Partner, Not My Friend': A Primer On LGBT Etiquette"

Steven Petrow | NPR | Listen

"The Civilist Podcast With Steven Petrow"

Learn more

About TED Salon

TED Salons welcome an intimate audience for an afternoon or evening of highly-curated TED Talks revolving around a globally relevant theme. A condensed version of a TED flagship conference, they are distinct in their brevity, opportunities for conversation, and heightened interaction between the speaker and audience.

Read more about TED Salons