Conversare – update on its essence, purpose, feedback and potential wider applications

There are two considerations to explore in regard to possible developments with this way of connecting with each other.

Which has been well received in diverse places since its inception a decade ago. Could comments (see below) from participants in recent and also from previous events here in Adelaide and elsewhere provide illumination on this? <smile>   

Before proceeding here is a comment recently received which may interest you, perhaps for illustrating the ‘reach’ of this way of being together:

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Insert:

The comment related to this post:

What Conversare could mean for you

“I want to get across my affection for your kind-heartedness supporting men who require help with the niche. Your very own dedication to getting the solution up and down turned out to be exceptionally powerful and have frequently empowered others like me to attain their aims. This valuable information entails much to me and even further to my peers. Thank you; from all of us”.

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Firstly, to clarify just what Conversare is and how it differs from other conversational processes,  this brief outline of its process may assist you in appreciating how it could come to be used more widely.

For it has these special features to do with Face to Face (F2F), One to One (1:1) conversation in which:

. anybody (‘the right people’) who wishes to participate is welcome.

. the events are held in secure and safe public places.

. an experienced host welcomes all who have come along, introduces the process and then usually become a participant.

. the ‘process’ as outlined by the host is “There is fine food from which to choose, including vegetarian and vegan options. Once you have selected yours, look around to invite someone not known to you to share the mealtime with you.”

. the essence of the event is talking in pairs of participants who have not met previously, ie strangers.

. the start is each pair asking, “What attracts you be here?” and “Who are you?”  NOT “What do you do?”

. and goes on for about 90 minutes, over a two course meal – main and dessert.

. at the ‘wrap’ the host invites all present to share their experience and insights from the conversing over the mealtime.  

Secondly, to note:

There is no topic to address, no problems to be solved, no strategies to develop, no outcomes to aim for.

What then is the purpose?

Could these comments from participants in recent events in Adelaide and also from previous events here and elsewhere provide illumination on this?

Given that, through having experienced the process, they note that ‘the purpose’ of Conversare is to enable participants to have a deeper appreciation of our common humanity. Also, associated, that ‘We are in this together to treat each other well’. And to provide an experience which is highly enjoyable.

To conclude, for now:

I wonder if you have a ‘glimmer’ of diverse ways in which this way of connecting with each other could be of value for your purposes?

Just one which comes to my mind is to have a Conversare style lunch break as an integral component of training, and other ‘in house’ events, anywhere on our little planet.

For, if you ‘have a go’ at doing this, the difference it could make to the experiencing of the participants will likely amaze you. <smile again>

If you conceive other possibilities for this way of being together please do send them to me via Contact on the www.conversare.net site.

And if you are feeling in need of having something to cheer you up see this story. From which you may also perceive how you could use this process in diverse professional contexts and physical places.

Looking forward

Al  

Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Process Artist 
Facilitator of conversations that matter and participatory fun

Senior Fulbright Scholar

Blog:  www.conversare.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ConversareSA/

Member:  American Society for Cybernetics

Member: National Trouble Makers Union <smile>

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“Whenever we treat each other well good things happen.”
Al Stewart

Be yourself. And be it well.