an online book by David Gurteen
A conversation is a verbal exchange of ideas, thoughts, and feelings between two or more people. It involves listening and speaking and can be face-to-face or through a communication device such as a phone or computer, but it must be verbal.
Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization. The development of conversational skills in a new language is a frequent focus of language teaching and learning.
Credit: Wikipedia - conversationThis blook is not just about me. Numerous people, some living, some not, have understood the power of conversation, appreciated the complexity of the world, and have influenced my thinking. You will find the profiles of a few of these people here. The list below is a subset of these people, whose prime focus is Continue reading Conversation Thinkers It’s the fringe thinkers who change the world
What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? What Is a Real Conversation? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversation is a form of interactive, spontaneous communication between two or more people. Typically it occurs in spoken Continue reading Introduction: the Power of Conversation A powerful, adaptable human technology
Collective Sense-making The Power of Peer Instruction Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversational learning is a form of learning that takes place through meaningful conversations and interactions between individuals. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, exchange Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Learning Unleashing knowledge
Many workplaces focus on visible results and overlook the quieter work that shapes how we think. Conversation is often dismissed because poor meetings give it a bad name. Clear and intentional dialogue creates the conditions for real action and makes change easier to achieve. Continue reading Conversation Is Action Transforming talk into tangible outcomes
Conversations are a familiar part of daily life, yet their complexity often goes unnoticed. Beneath the surface, they function as complex, responsive processes, where participants continuously react and adapt to each other. By recognizing the sophisticated dynamics at play, we can better understand these everyday interactions. Continue reading Conversations Are Complex Responsive Processes Conversations are dynamic, emergent interactions shaping organizational reality
The Surprising Benefits of Doodling The Neuroscience of Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Detailed ResourcesHarvard Business Review: The Neurochemistry of Positive Conversations by Judith E. Glaser and Richard D. Glaser (2014) Continue reading Introduction: the Neuroscience of Conversation Conversations trigger changes in the brain
Navigating conversations can be challenging, especially when the dynamics shift from simple exchanges to complex discussions. The Cynefin framework, originally designed for decision-making, offers a useful perspective on these communication challenges. By identifying the Cynefin domain we are conversing in, we can adjust our approach accordingly. Continue reading Conversations Through the Cynefin Lens Unraveling the intricacies of everyday conversations
Introduction: the Neuroscience of Conversation Conversational Chemistry Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversation is not just an interactive communication between two or more people, it causes a change of emotions by inducing the brain to secrete Continue reading The Neuroscience of Conversation Conversations trigger changes in the brain
Conversation has evolved slowly, shaped by history, culture, and philosophy. We often forget it’s not a fixed or simple act, but a practice that has changed over time. Understanding its roots can help us see conversation not just as talk, but as a powerful form of shared human inquiry. Continue reading Introduction: History and Philosophy of Conversation The art of conversation has evolved over thousands of years
Keynote Talk: Smarter Online Conversations at ECSM 2014 | David Gurteen People: David Gurteen (1)David Gurteen Keynote speaker, writer and conversational facilitatorBooks: David Gurteen (80)A Conversation Architect Designs Strategic Conversations David GurteenAPM Conference: Conversational Leadership David Gurteen (2016)Being Truthful Versus Telling the Truth David GurteenChatbot Constraints David GurteenChatbots as Critical Thinking Partners – Talk for Continue reading Smarter Online Conversations David Gurteen, 2014
Numerous words or phrases describe the varied forms of conversation and speech. This page lists some of the more common ones in alphabetic order. Continue reading The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech
Conversation has developed alongside human civilization, from simple gestures to complex dialogue. Yet we often ignore its rich history, treating it as casual talk. Tracing its evolution helps us rediscover conversation as a profound human practice shaped by philosophy, culture, and time. Continue reading History of Conversation The changing face of conversation through the ages
The philosophy of conversation investigates the intricate dynamics of human interaction by exploring how we exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships through dialogue. By philosophically examining conversation, we gain a deeper understanding of our conversational practices to appreciate dialogue as core to the human experience. Continue reading Philosophy of Conversation Conversation is fundamental to the human experience
Words can reveal insights into the history and evolution of language. The word “conversation” has significantly changed its meaning and usage over time. What is the origin and history of “conversation”, and how has its meaning changed? Continue reading Etymology of Conversation A history of the word “conversation”
The origins of conversation stretch back long before recorded history, evident in oral traditions, myths and records of ancient cultures across the world. Through archaeology and study of early writings, we can piece together the foundations of dialogue that evolved over millennia in human societies. Continue reading The Emergence of Conversation in Early Cultures ** Conversation stretches far back into prehistory
Conversation has a long history shaped by culture and everyday life. The old word conversible reminds us how easily this skill can fade when attention shifts elsewhere. Exploring its roots offers a clearer way to think about how people speak with one another and how a richer conversational world might still be possible. Continue reading The Conversible World The sphere of human interaction and exchange of ideas
The Language of Conversation and Speech The Purposes of Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Continue reading The Value of Conversation ** Why are conversations so valuable?
Discourse profoundly shapes our perceptions and interactions. Exploring different forms of oral discourse—such as debates, interviews, and conversations—reveals how we convey ideas and navigate conflicts. Examining these genres gives us a richer understanding of the subtleties and complexities that characterize human communication. Continue reading Oral Public Discourse Verbal expression aimed at a public audience
Storytelling is widely treated as a core leadership skill in organizations. When stories are used mainly to inspire or persuade, conversation can shift from inquiry to performance. Conversational Leadership keeps stories in play, but centres attention on shared reasoning and what unfolds after the story is told. Continue reading Storytelling and Conversational Leadership Placing storytelling in the practice of thinking together
Benjamin Franklin’s essay “On Conversation” provides timeless insights into social interactions. The problem lies in common conversational pitfalls such as talking too much or being self-centered. We can create more pleasant and respectful conversations by practicing complaisance, good nature, and attentiveness. Continue reading On Conversation An essay by Benjamin Franklin, the Pennsylvania Gazette, 1730
Conversations shape how we connect, collaborate, and solve problems. Groups often struggle to focus on the right issues, approach discussions constructively, or build a sense of community. Asking thoughtful questions can guide meaningful dialogue, ensuring conversations address vital needs, encourage participation, and strengthen relationships. Continue reading Three Questions for Meaningful Conversations Clarify focus, approach, and community-building in discussions
Conversational Self-awareness Conversational Awareness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Effective communication is essential for building strong relationships and developing self-awareness. When communication breaks down or misunderstandings occur, it can strain personal connections. The Johari Window model Continue reading Conversation Through the Lens of the Johari Window Understanding ourselves and others through conversation
Active Listening ** Conversational Continuous Self-improvement ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The success of a conversation largely depends on how we choose to respond during our turn to speak. Our responses can either facilitate a Continue reading The Art of Navigating Conversations Choosing our repsonses carefully
Cognitive biases affect how we interpret and respond to conversation and reason together, potentially leading to flawed or irrational conclusions, but there are ways to mitigate their impact. Continue reading The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation Cognitive biases can lead to flawed or irrational conclusions in a conversation
In his essay Of Essay-Writing, the Scottish philosopher David Hume distinguishes between two distinct realms of intellectual discourse: the learned and the conversible. … Continue reading Two Realms of Intellectual Discourse ** The learned and the conversible
Conversational Capacities Dialogue Vs Debate ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Introduction Conversations can be categorized according to level in many ways, depending on the purpose of the categorization. For example, how different styles of conversation Continue reading Levels of Conversation ** Four levels of conversation
Conversational Leadership To practice Conversational Leadership, it is essential to understand the difference between Conversational Leadership mindset, skills, habits, and methods. This chapter focuses on habits A Conversational Leadership mindset is our mental attitudes, approaches, or ways of thinking about practicing Conversational Leadership. Our beliefs, values, and experiences shape it, … Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Habits The habitual ways in which we practice Conversational Leadership
The phrase “conversation is a dance” highlights how conversation is an improvisational, collaborative, and responsive process, similar to dancing, where participants move together in sync, sensing each other’s rhythms and adapting to create a fluid and shared experience rather than a rigid performance. This “dance” emphasizes a mutual exchange of ideas, trust, and understanding, requiring … Continue reading Conversation Is a Dance ** Conversation and dance are both improvisational
Make time to talk: Work is complex and time is tight; conversation is treated as optional and gets squeezed out; make time to talk early and often to prevent rework, build trust, and save time overall. Continue reading Make Time to Talk The lack of time for conversation is just an excuse
We often have informal professional meetings without a plan in which the conversation meanders and little is accomplished. We need to focus more, but how? By adding a light structure, we can improve the quality, depth, and meaningfulness of the session. Continue reading Improving Informal Conversations ** Add a little structure
Improving Informal Conversations ** Conversation Is More Than Communication Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Life is a conversation between ourselves and the world around us. What conversation do you want your life to be? Continue reading Life Is a Conversation ** Life is a conversation between ourselves and the world around us
Life Is a Conversation ** The Difference Between Dialogue and Debate ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Face-to-face conversation is far more than just communication. When we have a conversation, we don’t just exchange information. That’s Continue reading Conversation Is More Than Communication Conversation shapes our lives
Differing viewpoints can lead to tension and misunderstandings in challenging conversations. A conversation covenant provides a structured approach to ensuring respectful and constructive dialogue. Establishing agreed-upon guidelines helps create a safe environment for discussing even the most difficult topics. Continue reading Conversation Covenant Creating a psychologically safer space for difficult conversations
The Difference Between Dialogue and Debate ** Meetings and Conversations Serve Two Purposes Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close With increasing polarization in society, effective communication that fosters connection and understanding is essential. Jazz improvisation and conversation Continue reading The Jazz of Conversations Drawing parallels between jazz improv and conversations
Talk more: Work has become efficient, mediated, and strangely quiet. We avoid face to face contact and replace conversation with messages. We should start more conversations with people around us, including those we already know and those we do not. Continue reading Talk More The essence of Conversational Leadership is to talk with people more
Make Big talk: We are all familiar with small talk. But what’s big talk? No, not boasting, bragging, or talking big, but big talk — deep, genuine, meaningful conversations. Continue reading Make Big Talk Make big talk not small talk
Engage AI in Dialogue: Generative AI introduces new voices into our conversations, expanding how we explore ideas and who gets to participate. Yet it brings no lived experience, no empathy, and no accountability. As machines increasingly mimic human dialogue, we must stay grounded in what is real and relational—using AI with care, without losing the human core of conversation and shared meaning Continue reading Engage AI in Dialogue A Conversational Leadership Practice Area
Why Face-to-face Interaction Matters ** Verbal Judo ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Research shows that engaging in short friendly conversations boosts people’s performance on a variety of cognitive tasks. A study in 2011 by researchers Continue reading Friends with Cognitive Benefits Engaging in short friendly conversations improves people’s thinking
Turn-taking is the practice of individuals in a conversation taking turns speaking. It involves one person talking while others listen and then transitioning to the next speaker. This back-and-forth exchange enables effective communication and ensures everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Continue reading Turn-taking in Conversation When we talk we take turns
Turn-taking in Conversation Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Pask’s Conversation Theory, developed by British cybernetician Gordon Pask in the 1970s, is a conceptual and theoretical framework that explores how learning Continue reading Conversation Theory ** Gordon Pask
Introduction: Knowledge Café Principles Knowledge Café Principle: Everyone Has an Equal Voice Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Principle: Conversation is Sovereign. The Knowledge Café aims to facilitate meaningful conversations. To do this, it is important to Continue reading Knowledge Café Principle: Conversation Is Sovereign It’s all about the conversation
Connection Before Content Understanding Debates Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversare events are social gatherings in public places where people engage in one-to-one conversations with strangers. Conversare events are the brainchild of Alan Stewart, who runs them Continue reading Conversare Events Social gatherings which people engage in one-to-one conversation with a stranger
What is the most powerful technology ever invented? Electricity, the Internet, nuclear power, the printing press or something different? Continue reading Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Conversation – an overlooked technology
The Knowledge Café is a conversational method that gathers a group of people to share knowledge and experiences, learn from one another, build relationships, and make better sense of a rapidly changing, complex, less predictable world. The aim is to improve decision-making, innovation, and collaboration. Continue reading Introduction: Knowledge Café Improving decision-making, innovation, and collaboration
The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Connecting Minds Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Many of us find it difficult to give a speech, and it is not always easy to listen to one, but we are Continue reading Our Brains Are Designed for Conversation That is why we find conversation so easy
There are two conversations. Continue reading Thinking Together Talking with each other beats talking to ourselves
The Watercooler Effect Walking Conversations ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Office hallways have traditionally been spaces for quick, informal exchanges among colleagues. However, these brief interactions often go underutilized. By embracing the potential of these Continue reading The Value of Hallway Conversations The magic of the hallway conversation lies in its spontaneity
One reason people often give for not taking a more conversational approach to their work is the lack of time. Many even see it as a waste of time. But it is not! Continue reading Conversation Sharpens the Saw It is not a waste of time
Conversation Sharpens the Saw Bake Conversation Into All That We Do ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Conversation permeates our organizational lives. Organizational Conversation is the myriad of conversations that occur minute-to-minute every day within an Continue reading Organizational Conversation ** The conversation is the organization
Speak in Plain Language Take Responsibility for the Conversation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Turn monologues into dialogues: Turn one-way communication into two-way conversations. Talk with people rather than at them. A monologue is a Continue reading Turn Monologues Into Dialogues Talk with people rather than talk at them
Turn Monologues Into Dialogues Speak with Less Conviction Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Take responsibility for the conversation: A few participants dominate many conversations, and as a result, there is no real engagement or energy in Continue reading Take Responsibility for the Conversation ** We all need to take responsibility for the quality of our conversations
Culture plays an essential role in our societal and organizational lives. It shapes us in a variety of ways. Continue reading Culture Basic tacit assumptions about how the world works
Knowledge Café: Posing the Question Knowledge Café: Large Group Design ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Over the years, in running my Knowledge Cafés, I have discovered through experimentation and observation that the ideal group size Continue reading Knowledge Café: Small Group Design The ideal small group size is three or four
Conversational Continuous Self-improvement ** Impossible Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close A difficult conversation is unpleasant, one where we feel discomfort and awkwardness, such as asking our boss for a pay rise or confronting a neighbor. Continue reading Difficult Conversations Navigating emotionally challenging conversations
An impossible conversation may feel futile as it occurs between individuals who possess radically different ideas, beliefs, morals, politics, or worldviews. Such conversations are likely to lead to arguments and even physical altercations. So, how can we engage in impossible conversations? Continue reading Impossible Conversations Navigating conversations across ideological divides
The Value of Hallway Conversations Introduction: Conversational Environments ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a “walking conversation”. Research shows that walking improves your creativity – never Continue reading Walking Conversations ** Walking …
