Be Prepared To Be Amazed…

When I'm bored, I usually watch videos on Youtube. There you can find all kind of topics from music to how to boil an egg. While I was searching what to watch on that platform I came across a TED talk with the following title: “10 ways to have a better conversation” by Celeste Headlee. I must tell that those words called my attention immediately because I want to learn to be better at conversations. I am usually better at listening and I’m always amazed by those people who can engage in deep conversations whenever they want. Curious to know about these “10 ways” I watched the video. I leave the video here so you can experience it too…

Maybe a 12-minute video is not for you. But the message of this video seems to me worthy of being shared. That's why I'll leave the 10 rules for good conversation that Miss Headlee left in this TED talk.

Celeste Headlee’s 10 ways to have a better conversation

1) Don't multitask. "And I don't mean just set down your cell phone or your tablet or your car keys or whatever is in your hand. I mean, be present".

2) Don't pontificate. "If you want to state your opinion without any opportunity for response or argument or pushback or growth, write a blog".

3) Use open-ended questions. "In this case, take a cue from journalists. Start your questions with who, what, when, where, why or how. If you put in a complicated question, you're going to get a simple answer out".

4) Go with the flow. "That means thoughts will come into your mind and you need to let them go out of your mind".

5) If you don't know, say that you don't know. "Err on the side of caution. Talk should not be cheap".

6) Don't equate your experience with theirs.

7) Try not to repeat yourself. "It's condescending, and it's really boring, and we tend to do it a lot".

8) Stay out of the weeds.

 9) Listen. "You have to listen to one another".

10) Be brief.

      I know, I know… This post is really long! But I fell in love with this TED talk. I think that nowadays we underestimate the benefits of a deep conversation with a friend, our parents or even with strangers. I’m convinced that every single one of my readers may get some useful tips and for sure after watching Celeste’s talk you will enjoy better conversational skills.

       Last but nos least, I loved the final thought that she left: 

"I keep my mouth shut as often as I possibly can, I keep my mind open, and I'm always prepared to be amazed, and I'm never disappointed. You do the same thing. Go out, talk to people, listen to people, and, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed". (Celeste Headlee)

REMEMBER!