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Purpose12 min

10 ways to have a better conversation

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  • SpeakerCeleste Headlee
  • Length12 min
  • TopicPurpose
  • Key notes6

About this talk

Radio host Celeste Headlee has spent her career talking to all kinds of people. She shares 10 simple rules for better conversations, and says that mastering just one of them will already make a difference.

  • 12 min
  • Purpose
  • by Celeste Headlee
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Key notes

What to take away.

  1. 01
    Be fully present

    Don't multitask. If you want to leave the conversation, leave, but don't be half in and half out.

  2. 02
    Assume you'll learn something

    Don't lecture. Everybody is an expert in something.

  3. 03
    Ask open questions

    Start with who, what, when, where, why or how, and let people describe things in their own words.

  4. 04
    Let thoughts come and go

    Don't stop listening because you're waiting to share your own story.

  5. 05
    It's not about you

    Don't equate your experience with theirs, and don't repeat yourself or get lost in details.

  6. 06
    Listen, and be brief

    Most of us listen to reply, not to understand. Keep your mind open and be prepared to be amazed.

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