In the best circumstances, conversations
allow people to share their ideas in order to create new understanding for
everyone in the group. Have you ever been in a conversation where all the group members were listening to
each other, interested, and enthusiastic? These are the situations that
lead us to those aha moments when we understand something in a new way. The big puzzle is, what are those
circumstances that allow people to feel comfortable to share their
personal opinions and ideas with others? And that allow isolated and
individual thoughts and opinions to synthesize into new and
fresh ideas. How could we have conversations
that energize the members and make them feel important,
included, and engaged? In this lesson, I will give you eight
important pieces that are always part of a successful conversation. First, it's important that you
come to the conversation prepared. Often the topic or issue of
the conversation is given beforehand. Familiarize yourself with as much
background information that you can so that you'll have some reliable facts and information to contribute
to the conversation. Secondly, when the group meets
make sure that where and how you're sitting makes everyone feel
comfortable and part of the group. Everyone should be on the same level,
should have eye contact with each other, and the desk should be
cleared of any distractions. Thirdly, know the purpose
of the conversation and help the group achieve it. It's important that the group has a common
goal so they can move toward it together. Stay focused on the topic,
make comments that are relevant, encourage your group
members to do the same. Fourth, listen to understand. Be honestly interested in
what others have to say. Believe that you have
something to learn from them. Give yourself quiet time to think about
the information that's been said and ask followup questions
if you don't understand. Next, communicate clearly,
try to have your ideas organized in your mind before you
share them with the group. Give relevant and specific examples that
illustrate the point you want to make. Use language cues to help
the listeners follow along. Look for the listeners gestures that
communicate things like agreement or disagreement, confusion, or even boredom,
and adjust what you're saying accordingly. Sixth, think deeply. Research has shown that by applying,
analyzing, and evaluating concepts, people will learn
it better and will remember it longer. Challenge your group members and yourself by asking some of
the questions listed here. Seventh, be dynamic with your voice and gestures to bring positive
energy to the group. Use your voice to emphasize important
ideas by saying them louder and longer. Keep everyone's attention by
saying some things fast and some things slowly, or
in a high pitch, or in a low pitch. Use your eyes, hands, arms, and
your smile to make gestures that keep the group members
engaged with what you have to say. And lastly, be humble,
positive, and respectful. Truly believe that everyone you will ever
meet knows something that you don’t, and act accordingly. Avoid being the person who
has all the answers and tells others where they’re wrong,
instead be someone who’s open-minded and admits there’s a lot that can be learned. Respect others by not interrupting and
by responding positively and relevantly to their ideas. This is an overview of the pieces that
make up effective academic conversation. Throughout the rest of the course, you
will receive more specific instruction and practice on these general guidelines.
