I think a great conversation is the most pleasurable human experience, at least for myself. To me there is nothing better than diving into the mind of another person and discovering what interesting ideas and thoughts lie within them. Like you said with your podcast analogy, the best conversation partner can push you to express thoughts that you never even knew you were capable of having. A great conversation with the right partner can almost be better than writing when it comes to the generating of ideas.
Brilliant topic! It brought to mind the lost art of mentorship- someone who may be able to model and coach what effective conversation looks like practically. I'm not sure what caused that model to fade away - perhaps too many are just a little too unsure of themselves to guide others along the path?
One of the greatest joys in life is good conversation. No argument from me there and you provide a great primer on how to go about having great conversations.
I would, politely and only slightly, disagree on it being impossible to have good conversations via text. It's different than face-to-face, for sure. Texting loses out on all those micro expressions, on the tone of voice, on the inflections. It's not without merit though. It allows us a beat or few to think our answers through. It compels us to take in what the other participant is saying (should I say "writing"). There's excitement, there's tension, waiting for what the person is going to say. It can be like receiving multiple little gifts in a row. I've had plenty of deep, in depth and exhilarating discussions via texting.
That is true. Now that you say that I've had some great conversations that way. They require a lot more patience, which sometimes I hate, but that's a fair point
Stumbled across one of your pieces and enjoyed it, so I'm reading some more. I like your style; straightforward, insightful but not overly intellectual, but most strikingly, earnest.
How about we start up a conversation and see where it leads? Let's see if your guidelines lead somewhere interesting. I'll start with a little background on myself. I'm 60, been married to my high school sweetheart for 40 years, have 11 children together, and own and run a small construction business.
I think a great conversation is the most pleasurable human experience, at least for myself. To me there is nothing better than diving into the mind of another person and discovering what interesting ideas and thoughts lie within them. Like you said with your podcast analogy, the best conversation partner can push you to express thoughts that you never even knew you were capable of having. A great conversation with the right partner can almost be better than writing when it comes to the generating of ideas.
One hundred percent. Conversation is such a simple and yet fruitful thing.
Brilliant topic! It brought to mind the lost art of mentorship- someone who may be able to model and coach what effective conversation looks like practically. I'm not sure what caused that model to fade away - perhaps too many are just a little too unsure of themselves to guide others along the path?
One of the greatest joys in life is good conversation. No argument from me there and you provide a great primer on how to go about having great conversations.
I would, politely and only slightly, disagree on it being impossible to have good conversations via text. It's different than face-to-face, for sure. Texting loses out on all those micro expressions, on the tone of voice, on the inflections. It's not without merit though. It allows us a beat or few to think our answers through. It compels us to take in what the other participant is saying (should I say "writing"). There's excitement, there's tension, waiting for what the person is going to say. It can be like receiving multiple little gifts in a row. I've had plenty of deep, in depth and exhilarating discussions via texting.
That is true. Now that you say that I've had some great conversations that way. They require a lot more patience, which sometimes I hate, but that's a fair point
Excellent post! Great conversation is undervalued. Nothing I enjoy more than conversation after dinner with family and friends.
Stumbled across one of your pieces and enjoyed it, so I'm reading some more. I like your style; straightforward, insightful but not overly intellectual, but most strikingly, earnest.
How about we start up a conversation and see where it leads? Let's see if your guidelines lead somewhere interesting. I'll start with a little background on myself. I'm 60, been married to my high school sweetheart for 40 years, have 11 children together, and own and run a small construction business.