Hi, we’ve already finished half a year, and hopefully, whatever problems we are facing now, we know that there is always a lesson to learn. Here we go again, the 35th part of 1Minute content. It was supposed to be short, but sometimes it took longer than I hoped. So, let’s start.
Sometimes, in a world where everything moves at a fast pace, we want to be dominant, to lead, to be someone who speaks up and promotes to the world the things we are dealing with, the milestones we have achieved, and the goals we want to chase.
Each person is supposed to have 2 ears and 1 mouth, which means we have to listen more. When we listen, we often don’t truly listen. Instead, we make big life decisions—like where to live, who to marry, or who our friends will be—based on what we already believe. A good conversation requires a balance between talking and listening. Here are some tips to make your conversations more meaningful, as suggested by Celeste Headlee in her TED talk.
1. Be Fully Present
Don’t multitask. Focus on the person you’re talking to. Don’t let your mind wander to what happened earlier or what’s coming next. Be fully engaged in the moment.
2. Stay Open-Minded
Enter every conversation with the mindset that you’ll learn something new. Everyone you meet knows something you don’t. Avoid pontificating (talking as if you know everything), and stay curious.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Use 5W1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to encourage deeper conversations. Open-ended questions invite the other person to share more information rather than just providing brief answers.
4. Go with the Flow
Let the conversation flow naturally. Don’t interrupt or force it in a specific direction. Stay present and listen to what’s on the mind of whoever is doing the talking.
5. Admit When You Don’t Know
If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” Being honest shows humility and builds trust. Be responsible with your words.
6. Don’t Compare Experiences
Everyone’s experiences are unique. Even if something seems similar, it’s never exactly the same. Avoid equating your experiences with theirs—conversations aren’t a chance to promote yourself.
7. Avoid Repetition
Repeating yourself can make the conversation boring. Keep it fresh and engaging by staying on topic and adding new insights.
8. Focus on the Big Picture
Don’t get lost in the details. When someone talks to you, they care about you, not the tiny specifics. Keep the conversation meaningful by focusing on the main ideas.
9. Listen More, Talk Less
When you’re listening, don’t talk. Give the other person space to express themselves. Listening shows respect and helps you understand their perspective better.
10. Be Brief
Keep it interesting.
A great conversation is about balance. It’s not just about talking, it’s about listening, staying present, and being open-minded. When you truly listen, you create deeper, more meaningful connections. Conversations are a two-way street. By improving your communication, you can avoid arguments, foster stronger relationships, and gain new insights from everyone you meet.
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