Ideas #5: What makes a great conversation?
Aug 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ian Williams, award-winning author and professor at the University of Toronto, delves into the art of conversation. He highlights how genuine dialogue fosters deeper connections and transforms participants. Williams contrasts trivial small talk with meaningful exchanges, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and attentive listening. He critiques modern communication's superficiality and advocates for authentic interactions, showcasing how poetry can enhance conversational skills. His insights invite listeners to explore the layers and depths of great conversations.
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Curiosity And Attention Fuel Talks
- Good conversations coax curiosity and attention, letting ideas be built collaboratively.
- Ian Williams says poetry trains attention and questions, which deepen conversation.
Squash Chat About Banned Books
- Ian Williams describes a lively squash-chat about banned books that energized him despite the odd setting.
- The exchange felt satisfying because both participants linked suppressed thoughts and built ideas together.
Reframe Questions To Deepen Connection
- Reframe shallow questions into open ones to invite richer answers and connection.
- Charles Duhigg’s examples show small tweaks turn factual queries into meaningful prompts.
