Conversation
It has been said that one of the greatest fears people hold is speaking in front of a group of people, yet we seem to have no shortage of public speakers. There is a kind of speaking that inspires greater fear. This is the fear of having a real conversation.
Conversation is when two or more people talk openly and honestly, listen deeply to each other, and reach a common understanding. Agreement is nice, but irrelevant. The art of conversation is not about getting someone to agree with you.
It is about seeking and finding a common understanding.
The first goal in conversation is to understand the thinking of the other person. The second goal is to articulate one's own thinking in a way the other can understand. A true conversation is blameless, non judgmental, direct, and respectful. Conversation is a way of connecting.
Most of us are afraid of a real conversation. If we really listen to someone else, it may upset our world view, our self image, or our view of life.
We might find out we were wrong. We might discover how they really feel about us. If we said what we really felt, the other person might be hurt, angry, disapproving, or judging. They might take action against us.
We are afraid of conflict. It poses a threat.
We don't want to be rejected, hurt, or embarrassed. The thought of conflict provokes the flight or fight response. We either avoid or attack when we feel threatened. We tend to do everything but engage in conversation.
In our organizations and families we are starving for conversation. Blaming takes its place.
It's easier. It's easier to tell myself how wrong you are than it is to tell you I want to have a conversation. Many will say: "I tried that. I tried talking to that person." Trying to get someone to see it your way is not a conversation. It is certainly important to state your preferences.
In conversation you are willing to suspend your judgments and conclusions while you listen to the other person. You are willing to allow new conclusions to arise as products of your mutual understanding.
Conversation is responsive. In it we see the other person as a real person. We accept who they are. We see past perceived differences in gender, race, ethnicity, religion, intelligence, sexual preference, economic status, age, profession, title, or background.
The person with whom we are conversing
is first, and foremost, a person. You are first, and foremost, a person. Moving beyond blaming makes it possible to have a conversation. Occasionally I meet someone I dislike. I purposely initiate a conversation.
More often than not, I come away with an appreciation for the person. The dislike I felt was in me, not in them. It was my projection.
How often do we give ourselves negative messages about others without actually talking to them? How often do our negative thoughts become self fulfilling prophecies when we treat people as if they have already offended us? How often do we refuse to hear the facts because we already have an opinion?
When you are experiencing difficulty with others ask: "What is the conversation I am having and what impact is it having on this person? How am I allowing them to affect me?" Briefly step outside yourself and observe. Ask yourself if this situation is what you want.
It is certainly okay to express your anger.
For example, you could say, "When you did that, I was angry." Conversations are not always perfectly rational.
Just remember you are talking to a real person. Conversations need not be devoid of emotion. Emotion adds meaning to conversation. Maintain an awareness of your emotion and the effect it is having on your conversation.
A lack of communication produces a void. People fill in the void with thoughts that assume blame.
Insist on communicating with people. Refuse to blame them when they don't communicate with you. Refuse to be disturbed by the opinions of others. Your ability to listen and to express your truth will be influential. Is there someone you are blaming right now? Consider having a conversation.
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Tiesto to do the Double at Avalon Hollywood
Hollywood, California (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) April 27, 2006 Avalon Hollywood announced two Tiesto dates at the venue on May 13 and 14, 2006. Tiesto, the worlds biggest DJ, will be making his second and third performances in the venue this year, following his special birthday celebration hosted by Spider Club and One Promotions LA in February.Fans will be treated to an incredible audio visual feast as Avalon Hollywood dresses the venue to showcase the very best of Tiestos talents. Both of Tiestos performances will be in conjunction with renowned VDJ, Vello Virkhaus, and will feature the most cutting edge production ever seen in the Los Angeles nightclub scene. Acrobats, dancing girls, and 40 ft plus projection screens will entrance Tiestos audience. Supplementing the visuals will be the West Coasts premier sound system, the Avalon EAW Series, bolstered on the night by an additional EAW Concert Series speaker system. This...
Tiesto to do the Double at Avalon Hollywood
Projection tv > Tiesto to do the Double at Avalon Hollywood
Tiesto to do the Double at Avalon Hollywood
Hollywood, California (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) April 27, 2006 Avalon Hollywood announced two Tiesto dates at the venue on May 13 and 14, 2006. Tiesto, the worlds biggest DJ, will be making his second and third performances in the venue this year, following his special birthday celebration hosted by Spider Club and One Promotions LA in February.Fans will be treated to an incredible audio visual feast as Avalon Hollywood dresses the venue to showcase the very best of Tiestos talents. Both of Tiestos performances will be in conjunction with renowned VDJ, Vello Virkhaus, and will feature the most cutting edge production ever seen in the Los Angeles nightclub scene. Acrobats, dancing girls, and 40 ft plus projection screens will entrance Tiestos audience. Supplementing the visuals will be the West Coasts premier sound system, the Avalon EAW Series, bolstered on the night by an additional EAW Concert Series speaker system. This...
Tiesto to do the Double at Avalon Hollywood
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World Financial News Network continues to recommend Endo-Bronchial Technologies
Seattle, Washington. (ContentDesk) September 24, 2004 -- WFNN's consistently outperforms established industry benchmark indicators. Based on in-depth research and analysis, their analysts recommend securities worldwide showing the highest probability for stock price appreciation. With constant vigil, WFNN looks for economic opportunities in the private and public company sectors.Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp, WFNN's Chief Independent Analyst, said, " World Financial News Network see InterWest Partners, Investor Growth Capital, Three Arch Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Versant Ventures, Sprout Group, and Guidant Investment deciding to invest in this new technology: lower cost and risk device.
By developing devices to reduce air leaks and bleeding following lung surgery for patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis, we see the company helping millions. Using this valve helps patients avoid surgery. We see the stock moving up from par value, this is a private company at this...
World Financial News Network continues to recommend Endo-Bronchial Technologies
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New Portable Public Address Sound System Reaches Large Audience
Anchor Audio, Inc. ? the industry leader for over 25 years in portable sound systems ? announces the next generation of the Explorer. The Explorer Pro delivers 107 dB of intelligible speech from one, self-contained http://www.anchoraudio.com/explorer.lasso [portable sound system] that is designed for users with no technical knowledge.
The unit is perfect for giving public address speeches in an indoor or outdoor assembly or playing music for social activities.Anchor Audio continues to meet the needs of its customers by offering industry leading product improvements at an affordable price.
The Explorer Pro now has single or dual built-in UHF wireless with 16 selectable channels and a 300 foot range, so a simple flip of a dial on the microphone and receiver eliminates any chance of interference from local broadcasting sources.
The Explorer Pro sound system is truly flexible and now is AC/DC...
New Portable Public Address Sound System Reaches Large Audience
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With "everyone" talking about the historically low mortgage rates you are ready to decide if it "pays" to refinance. The "rule of thumb" supplied by mortgage companies is that if you can reduce your interest rate by 1% it is usually profitable. But there is more to it than that. Like how long are you planning on staying in the house? Realistically, the first thing you need to determine is what rates do you qualify for and what are the other costs (like points and closing costs). When refinancing...
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New Guardian Generators Now Available at ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com
Romeoville, IL (ContentDesk) April 24, 2006 ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com (http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com) announced today that it is now carrying Generac Power Systems brand new line of emergency power generators, including:" Guardian UltraSource Portable Generators (http://electricgeneratorsdirect.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=53_206_140&page=1&sort=4a)...
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KUA Announces Record Downloads of 2005 Annual Report
Kissimmee, FL (ContentDesk) March 7, 2006 -- Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA), Florida's sixth largest community-owned electric utility, today announced the online version of its 2005 annual report has been downloaded more that 1,000 times since its release in February -- an average of 50 downloads each day.Developed as an informational resource and review of KUA's 2005 performance, the 48-page report pays special tribute to the diesel generators at the utility's Roy E. Hansel Generating Station....
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Birthday Gift For Mom
It comes once a year, and it is truly special. A mother's birthday is not to be ignored, and thankfully there are many products available to help us select a gift. Research shows that books, flowers, toys, jewelry, personalized plaques, jewelry, pens, clocks, wristwatches and gift baskets are favorite gifts to give to mom.
Red Envelope, Ever After, Love is a Rose, Personalization Mall, Things Remembered, Limoges Jewelry, Patagonia Gifts, Generous Gems and JC Penny have beautiful,...
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AssistKatrinaVictims.org Site Is Launched to Benefit Victims of Hurricane Katrina
(ContentDesk) September 8, 2005 -- A new website has been created by a suburban Chicago family to aggregate information sources related to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The site provides links to online information sources for cash donations, care packages, volunteers, missing persons, survivor lists, and families opening their homes to evacuees. Visitors are encouraged to submit information sites which will be reviewed by the site's editors for legitimacy."I continue to hear stories about...
AssistKatrinaVictims.org Site Is Launched to Benefit Victims of Hurricane Katrina
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