Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED - YouTube

In today's society, every conversation has the potential to become an argument, whether it's about politics, religion, or even the weather. A study by Pew Research shows that Americans are more polarized than ever, leading to a lack of compromise and listening. We're choosing friends, spouses, and living situations based on pre-existing beliefs, reinforcing this divide.

Technology, especially our smartphones and the tendency of teenagers to text rather than talk, plays a role in this. Paul Barnwell, a high school teacher, highlighted that conversational competence is a critical skill that's not being taught effectively. Being able to sustain a coherent conversation is essential in the 21st century.

As a professional interviewer, I've learned that having a good conversation is about balance—between talking and listening. Here are 10 basic rules for better conversations:

1. Don't multitask—be fully present in the conversation.
2. Don't pontificate—enter every conversation ready to learn.
3. Use open-ended questions—start with who, what, when, where, why, or how.
4. Go with the flow—let thoughts come and go without losing focus on the conversation.
5. If you don't know, say so—avoid pretending to be an expert.
6. Don't equate your experiences with theirs—every experience is individual.
7. Try not to repeat yourself—it's condescending and boring.
8. Stay out of the weeds—people care about you, not the minute details.
9. Listen—the most important skill in a conversation.
10. Be brief—show interest in others and be prepared to be amazed.

These rules are meant to help you engage in conversations that leave you feeling inspired and understood. Listening is key, and by doing so, you open yourself up to learning and connection. Remember, everyone has something to teach you.

The original article: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vskiVDwl4&list=PLV7xfBoJKBNQ3yhYgQRqocSWs1MKF7j0n&index=22