Comments on: How to Have an Adult Conversation

By: WoolyWoman

WoolyWoman — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:43:00 +0000

Clearly you have no idea about stroller etiquette, of course you should have jumped out of the woman’s way!!!! Hahahaha, just kidding, but speaking from personal experience, it probably was a case of: oh my god my hormones are raging, the baby won’t stop crying, I am bored out of my skull yet oh so tired, I think I better get out for a walk so I don’t have to smell my unwashed body any longer and OH MY GOD why won’t that guy get the hell out of the way! (this being you Mr Cheap). On another day she might have apologized and had adult conversation skills. NO EXCUSE, I just have more sympathy than I used to I guess )

By: bigasssuperstar

bigasssuperstar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:23:46 +0000

Some of the points you cited sound exactly like points raised by a news-talk radio consultant who’s lecture me and some of my colleagues over the years … and they’re equally applicable to one-way conversations as they are to interactive ones. Especially “interested is interesting” — conversely, bored is boring. Nobody wants to hear a speaker (or read a blogger) who isn’t legitimately interested and excited about what they’re discussing.
Speak from the top of your intelligence, but don’t go out of your way to make yourself sound smart — making your audience feel stupid won’t win any points. And, of course, know when to share the spotlight. If everyone involved can seem like a star, you can bet you’ll look good, too.
It’s really tough to drop the “I know more” and “I know better” attitude — gawd, I sure know it — but it pays off when people feel valued and welcome in the conversation.

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:21:28 +0000

Guinness: I think I was probably channeling my mom for this one. You’re totally right, this is the sort of thing that is awful when others do it, and we don’t even see it in ourselves.

As George Carlin said: “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”

Nobleea: Agree with you the council does.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:01:33 +0000

My advice would be “make the other person feel smart.” The art of getting along with people really boils down to making them feel respected, intelligent, and at ease.

By: nobleea

nobleea — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:47:20 +0000

I think Yoda quotes are fair game in all situations. hmmm?

By: guinness416

guinness416 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:51:07 +0000

Is this a guest post by one of your moms?

This is one of those things that is easy to criticize in other people, very difficult to see in yourself, in my experience. I’m sure we all have a “tiny outrage” along the line of bad madonna seats we’ve over shared.

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:37:15 +0000

4 mothers? Haha.

Good advice about letting the other person talk – some people I work with could use that advice.

Madonna tickets – yah some people have a habit of talking about inane things like they are a big deal. Blah..