The Art of Conversation

In her book, "The Art of Conversation", Catherine Blyth argues that conversation is becoming a lost art. The modern world tends to put pressure on all of our time, but conversation is vital to our happiness. It is only through conversation that we can gain understanding of each other and learn empathy. Respect for conversation has also been central in some of history's most creative periods, from the ancient Greek forum, to Johnson's coffee houses and the French Salons. It is for these reasons that Blyth urges us to talk. Here is her manifesto:

The Manifesto
Conversation is: Mutual appreciation, Co-operation, Spontaneous

It is not: Performance, Competition, Scripted

Three Principles: Generosity, Openness, Clarity

So find your closest friends and spend time devoted to conversation, with no aim other than to communicate.

The value of deep connections

This week the New York Times asked if we would all be happier if we spent more time engaged in meaningful conversations with friends, rather than indulging in small talk.

Dr. Mehl, who conducted the study, said that those subjects who spent more time in deep conversation were happier than those who just skimmed the surface. "We know that interpersonal connection and integration is a core fundamental foundation of human happiness," he said.

Though it was only a small study, and there is further work being done on the hypothesis, it does seem intuitively true. Humans are social animals and feel the need to connect with other people. We have all experienced those moments where you feel truly connected with another person. And though we might accept it as read, it is gratifying to remind ourselves of the importance of real relationships, when so much of our inter-personal contact is now filtered through online networks, where they ultimately become superficial and less emotionally rewarding.


Image source: Flickr