The Art of Good Conversation

Moving Beyond Transaction

Each conversation is a seed, the outcome of it may become evident immediately, while others may take longer. Years later someone might recommend you for a job, or you might remember someone’s experience that now feels applicable to yours. Leaning into relationships can help create life changing connections. 

How Much Time Do You Have?

Whether you’re about to head out for a train, or your taxi has just arrived, being honest at the start that you have limited time avoids both people moving at different paces. Being attentive allows us to truly experience the conversation and offer ourselves better.

Discernment

The art of having conversations is also being aware of when to shift the topic. Sometimes simply checking in before or after asking a question that might seem too personal or direct can keep the tone relaxed. 

Speech and Silence

In the excitement of the moment, you might want to pause the person speaking and share your thought, but allowing others to finish before speaking allows space for a conversation that flows and for full insights to be revealed. It shows respect and says something about our character. This small act can create long lasting connections.

 The Questions Matter

Questions that give people room to share who they are allow you to better know them. Instead of where do you live? consider how was your journey here? Instead of What do you do? consider What kind of work do you enjoy doing? The way a question is phrased makes all the difference. This was one of the key things we considered while crafting our conversation cards Being Present.