Conversation
My goal is interesting, intelligent and satisfying conversation. Isn't that what everyone wants? I work to make those conversations happen.
My conversations are open to anyone. Their purpose is to enjoy the pleasure of talking with another human being. I do not propose to make you richer, more beautiful or younger. I'm not looking to promote efficiency or productivity. I hope to gain a greater understanding of what it is to be human. What will you get out of talking with me?
My talks are in English, the only language I am sufficiently fluent in to have a real conversation. If you are working on your English, I can, at your request, provide feedback such as grammar and pronunciation corrections.
I offer open conversation practice to help you wake up your English fluency. No pressure, no judgement. Easy pace. Any level. We will talk about what interests you. Have something to say! I want to listen to you!
Please Join me for an online session to refresh your English skills. We can enjoy a quick 20 minute chat or a 45 minute session for a longer conversation. In the longer session you have the option of inviting others to join. Easy Talk conversations are on Google Meet.
If you want to be interesting be interested
To have a great conversation, participants must operate on a basis of civil exchange. When we talk with another person we enter an agreement that is generally unspoken and unconscious. It is based on good manners and proper engagement with other humans. Today, in many contexts, these basics are often ignored or forgotten, to the detriment of human communication.
Conversation Agreement
For good conversation...
Be Present
Pay attention to the conversation. No side conversations, playing with your phone, answering messages, scrolling through social media. Present means your full attention is on the conversation.
Be Engaged
It is not enough to simply listen and understand what the other person is saying. For a great conversation we need to engage mentally with the ideas being discussed. We need to consider the perspective of the speaker. We need to examine our own thinking. Are we open to understanding what is being said?
Be Responsive
Encourage your conversation partner. Let them know you are following what they are saying. Ask questions to clarify, to further the subject. Is there another aspect that would open up the subject further or take the conversation in a new direction? Don't be quick to change the subject, but don't be afraid to change the subject either.
Be Contributing
Have something to say. Each participant should put themselves into the conversation in a way that satisfies them and furthers the exchange.
Be Friendly
By engaging in conversation we share in a human experience that is beyond the words spoken. Even if we disagree, we are best served by clear and civil discourse. The act of vocal exchange gives value to our daily existence if we are open to it.
Drags on good conversation - Don't be a drag
Failure to be Present
Conversation degrades if parties do not pay attention. If one person is distracted or taking a call or texting, the conversation has died.
Failure to be Responsive
The conversation drags if one or more fail to show interest or engagement by verbal and non-verbal cues.
Being a Bore
One party dominating the conversation or forcing a topic on the other parties makes for an unpleasant experience rather than an enlightening conversation.
Being a Wallflower
The one who passively sits, with no apparent understanding or participation, is also a drag on conversation. For a brilliant conversation to happen, all participants must engage.
Top This
Engaging in ego spats, where the next item is always "I did it bigger and better than what you just talked about." This type of machismo exchange is toxic for everyone, except the one with the biggest ego.
