Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language by Robin Dunbar (1996)

In this book Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language, psychologist Robin Dunbar looks at gossip as an instrument of social order and cohesion — much like the endless grooming with which our primate cousins tend to their social relationships.   AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States   As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small … Continue reading Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language by Robin Dunbar (1996)

What Is Oracy? David Gurteen

Oracy is the ability to speak persuasively, articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, listen powerfully to others, clarify our own ideas and understanding, influence each other through conversation, and express our views with confidence and humility. Credit: David Gurteen Posts where this quotation is embedded A Brief History of Knowledge 200,000 years of human history A Conversation Dinner … Continue reading What Is Oracy? David Gurteen

Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds by Wendy Sullivan, Judy Rees (2008)

  AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States   As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Changing Conversations in Organizations: A Complexity Approach to Change Closing the Mind Gap: Making Smarter Decisions in a Hypercomplex World Tags: language (19)Google Web Search Photo Credits: Midjourney (Public Domain)This page is … Continue reading Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds by Wendy Sullivan, Judy Rees (2008)

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg

  AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States   As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you purchase a book via this site. Posts where this book is embedded A Brief History of Knowledge 200,000 years of human history A Conversation Dinner in Turin Knowledge menu à la carte A Knowledge Café in English, French and Russian … Continue reading Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Crafting Writing That Drives Change Larry McEnerney's insights on good writing

Diplomacy ## Write to Think ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Conventional writing wisdom is often misguided. Larry McEnerney, the retired director of the University of Chicago’s Writing Program, challenges outdated conceptions of good writing that can stifle bloggers and academic writers alike. His unconventional insights provide the key to engaging readers, making … Continue reading Crafting Writing That Drives Change Larry McEnerney’s insights on good writing

Etymology of Conversation A history of the word "conversation"

Philosophy of Conversation ** The Origin of Language ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter 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? Words can … Continue reading Etymology of Conversation A history of the word “conversation”

The Origin of Language ** ...

Etymology of Conversation The Emergence of Conversation in Early Cultures ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The origin of conversation language The Origin of Language Language is a uniquely human gift that has shaped the course of human civilization. But where did this remarkable ability come from? Scientists and scholars have long debated … Continue reading The Origin of Language **

Speaker-listener Neural Coupling Underlies Successful Communication Greg J. Stephens, Lauren J. Silbert, and Uri Hasson (2010)

Communication involves both speaking and listening. Traditional research has studied these processes separately within individual brains. This study examines brain activity in speakers and listeners during natural conversation, revealing coupled neural responses that correlate with effective communication. Abstract Verbal communication is a joint activity; however, speech production and comprehension have primarily been analyzed as independent … Continue reading Speaker-listener Neural Coupling Underlies Successful Communication Greg J. Stephens, Lauren J. Silbert, and Uri Hasson (2010)

The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech

What Is a Real Conversation? The Value of Conversation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Numerous words or phrases describe the varied forms of conversation and speech. This page lists some of the more common ones in alphabetic order.  Posts that link to this post The Language of Conversation and Speech Digging into their … Continue reading The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech

Oracy Is a Core Conversational Leadership Skill Communicating effectively in spoken language

Introduction: Conversational Leadership Skills Conversational Self-awareness Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Without oracy skills, we would struggle to communicate our ideas and opinions, leading to challenges in personal and professional settings. This can include difficulty building relationships, advocating for ourselves, and contributing to group discussions. What is oracy? Simply put, oracy is the … Continue reading Oracy Is a Core Conversational Leadership Skill Communicating effectively in spoken language

Gossip and Lashon Hara Conversation about other people

Lashon Hara Leadership Is a Practice Not a Position of Authority Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter An interesting conundrum arises when considering the Jewish religious law forbidding Lashon Hara (speaking derogatorily about someone) and building social trust through gossip. Why would Jewish religious law consider gossip bad while anthropologists consider it good? The … Continue reading Gossip and Lashon Hara Conversation about other people

Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Conversation - an overlooked human technology

Conversation Theory ** The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What is the most powerful technology ever invented? Electricity, the Internet, nuclear power, the printing press or something different? In our business world, we are always looking for the next new transformative tool. Too often, we look to information … Continue reading Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Conversation – an overlooked human technology

The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Does writing allow the pretense of understanding, rather than true understanding?

Our Most Powerful Technology Is Conversation Our Brains Are Designed for Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter In Plato’s Phaedrus, Socrates shares the myth of Thamus and Theuth, questioning the invention of writing. Writing, he argues, weakens memory and offers the appearance of wisdom without true understanding. Socrates suggests that serious discourse using … Continue reading The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Does writing allow the pretense of understanding, rather than true understanding?

Speak in Plain Language We should use everyday natural language that everyone understands.

Speak Last Turn Monologues Into Dialogues Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Speak in plain language: The language of many professionals is highly specialized and full of unnecessary jargon. This alienates many laypeople and those in other disciplines. To communicate effectively, we should use everyday natural language that everyone understands. The language of academics, … Continue reading Speak in Plain Language We should use everyday natural language that everyone understands.

Rhetoric To influence people through speech or writing

Oracy What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Rhetoric is often construed as insincere or meaningless language that sounds clever. This is an unduly negative perspective. Rhetoric is a critical cognitive and communication skill. Introduction Simply put, the purpose of rhetoric is to influence people through speech … Continue reading Rhetoric To influence people through speech or writing