The Art of Conversation

We are always communicating, whether it be verbal or non verbal. Communication is not about what you intend to say, or about using the right words; communication is the response you elicit when you speak. Communication is about building rapport. 

For the most part we speak in shorthand.  In so doing we have lost our voice, we have lost “the art of conversation.” We are losing the ability to communicate with people.

(How are you? Fine. What’s new?  Nothing. Where did you go? Out. What did you do?  Nothing.)

What have you learned?  Email and texting, as good as is is, stifles the act of human connection. Written words are flat, the carry little if no emotion.

Asking questions is a wonderful way of eliciting responses from others. Asking the right questions invites the audience in to your story. If you are looking to engage in conversation...be specific with your questions.  Start your questions with where, when, how and what.  

Communication is watching. Pay attention to the listener. Do they seem to “get it”?  Are they looking puzzled? Pay attention to the speaker, what are they conveying to you with non verbal communications?

In many ways life is all about communicating. Communication is getting your message through clearly. If someone is not understanding what you are saying, change how you say it. 

The responsibility is mine. Speaking louder will never make it clearer. Some people hear you clearly, others may need to "Get the picture" and when it feels right, you will know it

Communication is the act of gracefully transmitting messages and ideas. 

Try it, you’ll love it.