Summary of Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED
Key Strategies for Better Conversations:
- Don't Multitask: Be fully present in the conversation; avoid distractions from your phone or other thoughts.
- Don't Pontificate: Approach conversations with a mindset of learning rather than merely stating opinions.
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper responses by asking questions that start with who, what, when, where, why, or how.
- Go with the Flow: Let thoughts come and go without interrupting the conversation with unrelated anecdotes.
- If You Don't Know, Say So: Be honest about your knowledge; avoid pretending to be an expert on everything.
- Don't Equate Your Experience with Theirs: Avoid comparing experiences; focus on the other person's feelings and story.
- Try Not to Repeat Yourself: Repetition can be boring and condescending; strive for clarity without redundancy.
- Stay Out of the Weeds: Focus on the broader topic rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
- Listen Actively: Prioritize listening over speaking; true conversation requires understanding the other person.
- Be Brief: Keep your contributions concise and show genuine interest in the other person.
Headlee emphasizes that mastering even one of these rules can lead to more meaningful and engaging conversations, ultimately enhancing interpersonal connections.
Presenter:
Notable Quotes
— 00:44 — « But these days, with climate change and anti-vaxxing, those subjects are not safe either. »
— 03:22 — « It is crap. »
— 09:32 — « No man ever listened his way out of a job. »
— 10:20 — « Most of us don't listen with the intent to understand. We listen with the intent to reply. »
— 11:14 — « Go out, talk to people, listen to people, and, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed. »
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement