"Dialogue"

Over the past few months, I've noticed that I hear the word "dialogue" more often than I recall from past years. Maybe I was just oblivious through those past years, but the fact that it seems now to be a sort of "in" word is maybe a good thing.  One problem, and this is pointed out in the book "Living Beyond War: A Citizens' Guide" by Winslow Myers, is that the word is widely misunderstood and misused, and that real dialogue is seldom practiced.  But, real dialogue is essential if we are to build a future which is beyond war, sustainable, and fulfilling for our 7th Generation.  Does anyone besides me think that maybe we should get together to discuss (and practice) how to dialogue, and reach out beyond our comfort zones?  I am getting tired of "preaching to the choir"...perhaps "the choir" should school itself on dialogue.  I, for one, could use some education in this area...I tend to blythely assume I know how to do this, but (for example) do I really know how to listen?