Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» What's the difference between a buttinsky smarta** pushy unwelcome interloper and a welcome addition to a conversation?
The good conversationalist listens attentively, deeply, and responds in ways that are directly relevant to the topic. He or she will have a broad general knowledge and great curiosity about most things. Will probably ask questions to draw others out. Find out what they know about, what their concerns are. Encourage them to talk on topics they find interesting.
He or she has skills in empathy, ethical, creative, synthetic and constructively critical thinking.
He or she is neither a yes-man nor a nay-sayer - but may do a little of both. "I agree about this because of such and such, but with this aspect/facet/detail, I'm not sure. I think it's more this way..." or "Hmm. But what about...?" or "What if?" or "Well, those are the two classically opposing views, but there could be a third, completely different way of looking at it..." or "True, but if I came from Zanzibar, or Nuuk, or Machu Pichu, I might see it very differently..."
I imagine you, Rosie, would be a brilliant conversationalist. I'd love to have you visiting for afternoon tea or coffee, to chat comfortably for a couple of hours. I bet there'd be heaps of laughter.
Thank you for the fine compliment m'dear and for your very thoughtful answer to my question. I am here what/whom I am everywhere. I change nothing about the words I use or my interets. So if you like this iteration of me that's all there is wherever I am. We click and we know why bw. I appreciate your unfailingly articulate and thoughtful replies to the questions I ask. We may not always agree but it doesn't matter. I like talking to those folks who are very thoughtful and can explain the why of where they stand without demeaning or attacking those who see things differently. I think one can have a civil conversation about any topic PROVIDING the point of it is exchanging views and not insulting attacking lying. It's a pleasure to chat with folks who enjoy conversing for the sake of learning what they didn't know and sharing what they do. Thank you for your reply and Happy Sunday. If we were neighbors I'd so enjoy chats over coffee/tea too. But our geographic distance makes that probably an impossibility. Have you ever heard of the Algonquin Round Table? Years ago in New York City the intellects of that time would regularly gather together at the Algonquin Hotel I think and just talk. Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and others. I've often wished I could have just sat close enough to listen to the conversations or better yet that they had been recorded or written down. :).
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