Monday, February 14, 2022
Have you ever noticed what most people talk about? Conversations are mainly about what’s known as the surface of life. While pleasantries are nice, and interaction itself is enjoyable, couldn’t we do better at the depth of content in our conversations? I think there can be more interest to what we say, but moreover there can be more interest in what we ask. Below all of the surface talk lies a more interesting curiosity, one that leaves you to wonder why people do what they do in the first place. And what about creative output? What about interesting discoveries or stimulating revelations about life? What about the deeper, more intangible parts of being human? What could you learn from others, besides where they are from, what they do for a living, or how many siblings they have?
Is there a way to explore more simulating content when we speak to each other? Better conversation relies on you to be more inquisitive. If you haven’t had a good, provocative, and deep conversation lately, it might be time to get more curious (not nosy) about people you know. Ask people about their meaningful experiences, and explore why their experiences were so profound. Profundity is a tantalizing subject to explore. Ask them what they’ve learned from their experiences – that might be eye-opening too. There’s a lot to explore in conversation, other than the surface talk we often stick with. See if you can probe a little deeper, you might be surprised at where good questions can lead. It will be more stimulating, more interesting, and more intriguing. But above all, it might make a lasting bond or turn into new friendship. At the very least, if small talk can be turned into big talk, it might help you deepen your own experiences, and get more meaning and energy out of your own life. Try it this week and see what happens!