Bring Back The Conversation

I consider myself an extrovert which means I get my energy from being with people.  I enjoy conversations with friends, family and acquaintances.  Through theses conversations I gain perspective and advice and ultimately form who I am.  I value conversation.  But, is conversation becoming obsolete?  Have we forgotten how to have genuine, meaningful, respectful conversations?  Let's bring it back!

​In this time of technology some experts in communication argue that conversation is an art that is disappearing.  Face to face time to engage each other is being lost to social media posts and comments.  Most friends and family that I have discussed this with agree that they crave and seek out conversation in their daily life.  Yet, are we listening to each other?  Do we remember how to converse respectfully?  In the face of recent political turmoil and ongoing cyber bullying (which is not just for teens), it is my belief that we need kinder, more gentle, face to face communication now more than ever.

​So, join the revolution and let's bring conversation back!  Here are three tips for inspiring the change that you want to see in the world.  Go out there and look people in the eye and engage in the lost are of conversation. 
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1.  Kindness is contagious so just start by looking someone in the eye and smiling.  Hold a door open, compliment a stranger.  The kindness will pay forward.

​2.  Be interested, not interesting.  Ask questions.  Conversation is not a time to compete for air time.  Do not interrupt.  Listen to show someone that they are valued and understood.

​3.  Choose not to be offended.  Being right does not earn you points.  Be open to other perspectives.  You don't have to agree but try to understand why they feel the way they do.  Find their point of view interesting and move on.

​Have your own ideas to add to inspire conversation?  Please share!

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