Today people let each other know they would like to get acquainted by swiping left or right on a phone application. When they actually meet, do they have any idea how to have an interesting conversation?
Alexander Graham Bell’s wonderful device, the telephone has never been clearer, easier to use or less expensive. But telephone calls have largely been supplanted by emails which are now being replaced by text messages. Companies are even putting their own chat systems in so that the person in cubicle A won’t have to face the person in cobicle B when conveying something.But texts don’t inspire or convey strong feelings. They lack personality because they lack intonation and the body language of the writer.
For that reason, I perked up when I saw a TED Talk by Celeste Headlee entitled 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation. One TED community member wrote about it, “As human beings who come in contact with so many other human beings daily, we still tend to miss the simplicity of natural conversation, and the necessity of communication as a whole. We also carry a false understanding of what it means to effectively communicate. Celeste's talk was significantly helpful in breaking down the ways in which to be a better communicator overall.”
Celeste is a journalist who has bee a radio host on regional programs and National Public Radio. Headlee is also a clasically trained sporano who has performed at a number of prestigious venues. It is no surprise since her grandfather is composer William Grant Still. Known as "The Dean" of African-American composers
I urge you to take time to watch the less than 12 minute video at https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation?rid=j7lAO0SIEAIk&utm_source=recommendation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=explore&utm_term=watchNow
- Herb