When I was in elementary school, my fourth grade teacher always made my peers and I use a “talking stick” during classroom discussions. The purpose of it was to make everyone give their full, undivided attention to the student who had the stick in their possession to show respect and care. Now as I am looking back at this moment, I came to a realization that one of the reasons why this “rule” became enforced was due to the fact that more people were eager to speak rather than listen. Multiple students talking at the same time, each one raising their voices as the noise level in the classroom rose higher and higher, simply stirred up chaos. The importance of listening is often overlooked, but it is one of the first tips that Celeste Headlee briefly explains in her TEDtalk, "10 Ways to Have Better Conversations."
Listening is one of the fundamental concepts that enlist the potential of a good conversation. Although I always knew that being a good listener was key, Headlee's speech really accentuated its importance. Multitasking and half-hearted listening will do nothing but create misunderstandings and trouble. When we speak, we naturally expect the listener to pay attention to our words and ideas. Accordingly, we must do the same.
Conversations are like fireworks or sparks. It is impossible to know which way it will go. One topic will lead to another until it eventually comes to a halt. They are not planned or outlined beforehand; consequently, this is why open ended questions will allow the conversation to keep going without disrupting the flow. As Headlee stated in her TEDtalk, if we allow the speaker to describe the situation in their own words, we are "going to get a much more interesting response" because they had to think about it.
I never knew that little tips and tricks would enable people to have better conversations. After listening to the ten tips, I already found myself trying to utilize them throughout my day.
-Priscilla Lee
Conversations are like fireworks or sparks. It is impossible to know which way it will go. One topic will lead to another until it eventually comes to a halt. They are not planned or outlined beforehand; consequently, this is why open ended questions will allow the conversation to keep going without disrupting the flow. As Headlee stated in her TEDtalk, if we allow the speaker to describe the situation in their own words, we are "going to get a much more interesting response" because they had to think about it.
I never knew that little tips and tricks would enable people to have better conversations. After listening to the ten tips, I already found myself trying to utilize them throughout my day.
-Priscilla Lee
Being a good listener is a great key, even though sometimes I tend to lose focus on what the person is trying to tell me, but for the most part, I keep my attention towards them.
ReplyDeleteConversations are interesting to have, but it wouldn't happen often if the person wasn't listening to what we had to say.
I too had a talking stick sometime in elementary school. I like how you included this fact about your childhood because when I look back at it, it really is a way for children to be more patient with each other and it allows them to hear more about what their peers would like to share. Taking in information from others can open your mind to many thoughts and perspectives, and it is important for young kids to have the opportunity to share and converse with one another. Of course this does not only apply to children, I believe that truly engaging in a conversation is beneficial for all people.
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