The goal of the Sine Of Civility model (We probably will want to change the name.)is to give people tools that will enable them:

To consciously control their intellectual and feeling level messages in order treat themselves and others with mutual respect.

To feel more comfortable disagreeing with others because a mutual respect message is not likely to result in personal attack.

To recognize when someone is addressing them with a disrespectful message and knowing some whys to move the conversation to a mutual respectful (Civil) level.

To give groups a short hand feedback mechanism that is effective while maintaining the mutual respect we are trying to teach.

The attachment is a handout which shows that Levels -3 to +3 are all helpful messages while +4 is a put down to the listener and-4 is a put down to self.

This appears to be quite complicated when it is presented solely in document form. However, it is quite accessible when it is demonstrated. I usually demonstrate each level and then have the participants practice simple conversations with one other person in the audience. As the pairs talk I ask them the repeat one or two sentences while I call out different levels and ask them to change their feeling level messages appropriately.

Another approach would be for the presenters to have a discussion in which we demo levels and ask the audience to identify what is being demonstrated.

Click below for an animation with sound of the model.  At the bottom of each page there are Levels of feeling messages indicated by numbers (+4+3+2+1 0 -1-2-3-4) please note the change in the emotional message that is communicated with a change in levels.  +4 and -4 are counter productive.  This illustration was used with business and we would need change the example to fit our population.

Click for demonstration.