Craig Constantine
Small talk
Are you actually interested? It could simply be a lack of interest in other people. Many people claim to dislike small talk. Certainly there are times when I’m tired and don’t have the energy for any conversation. But generally, I find small talk interesting and engaging. Many disagree. I’ve wondered if professed dislike of small More →
The Art of Conversation
Book The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blyth, 2009 — The Art of Conversation isn’t about etiquette, elocution, or knowing how to hold your teacup with your little finger crooked just so. It’s about something simple and profound: connecting. Conversation costs nothing, but can bring you the world, because it transcends the ability to talk to anyone. What More →
Broadcast mode
The phenomenon of being talked at It’s not enough to sit and think about this now, as you’re reading this. You must remember to do so in the moment. If you want to have better conversations, you need to be talking with the purpose of enjoying the dynamic with your partner! Too many people simply More →
Fine art versus applied art
Can thinking about this distinction guide us? Both fine and applied art have value. I’m drawn to the fine art. What are the participants creating during a good conversation? Certainly, good conversations have a “do no harm” undertone. But it’s the pleasure of the shared experience which is at the core. To your capability you More →
The interview as form
Balancing observing and participating in a conversation Details that would have been lost in the blur of the experience, will stick in your mind and become mile markers. We shouldn’t rely on luck. When we find ourselves in a budding conversation, we must be intentional with what we are trying to create. I’m not suggesting More →
Attention
Self-awareness as the master key We must imagine clearly and in detail where a conversation could go, and then be aware of where it actually goes. Intention is about having some reason for a conversation. If we want intentional conversations, then we must spend some time in self-reflection to discover those reasons. If we want More →
How do you end?
How can you effectively and gracefully end a conversation while maintaining its value and mutual appreciation? Understand the balance between leaving a conversation fulfilled and seeking more. “I know I didn’t even try to get everything [from a conversation] because I know I can’t get everything. So it’s somehow finding a balance between: “Okay, my More →
How do you end?
How can you effectively and gracefully end a conversation while maintaining its value and mutual appreciation? Understand the balance between leaving a conversation fulfilled and seeking more. This article is based on the episode How do you end? from the Open + Curious podcast as part of a short series on Bringing conversation alive. Craig More →
Once awakened
What role does dialogue play in fostering a sense of connection and transformation within individuals and communities? Can dialogue itself be more important than the decisions it leads to? “So then I have to ask myself, how do I have to be in the world so that I can create more moments like that for More →
Once awakened
What role does dialogue play in fostering a sense of connection and transformation within individuals and communities? Can dialogue itself be more important than the decisions it leads to? This article is based on the episode Once awakened from the Open + Curious podcast as part of a short series on Bringing conversation alive. In More →