Conversare – for novel and remarkable opportunities now popping up

I refer to a new way of socialising. For starters have a look at  Conversare – what it is to gain an insight into the underpinning principles and practices. (Perhaps later have a peruse of some earlier posts in ARCHIVES – at bottom of right hand side of this screen. Could any that you happen to see have something that turns you on?  <smile>)

Then read on to start to appreciate what it could mean for you, those around you and for wider communities.

Given that there could be substantial benefits for participants and for those who organise and conduct these events.

Bearing in mind that they are about face to face conversation, the core of how we humans treat each other well.

Can you see yourself playing your part in all of us coming to treat each other well ?

Perhaps having a sense that ‘your part’ – once you have experienced being in an event – could be to develop new personal skills and confidence in how you engage with people close to you?

Which could lead to improved ways in which you relate to people more generally.

Could this new awareness lead to a new career and/or associated business?.

Do these ideas appeal to you?

 

Given that while this way of coming together is not widely practiced – yet – are there applications that you see could be of great potential value for you personally and perhaps also professionally?

For a range of reasons, among which are the substantial benefits for participants from this kind of being together.  And for those who have a role in hosting, organising and staging this kind of being together.

If these interest you here are indications about the benefits which could be achieved by the main ‘players’ associated with Conversare events:  participants, hosts, organisers and venues in which such events are held. Also organisations in which the leadership recognises that here is a way of promoting wholesome connecting among people at all levels of the enterprise.

Participants

Why would you come along to a social event in which you may not know anyone present? And in which you are invited to share a meal time with a stranger?

Sound scary?? Have a look at what previous participants have said about their experience.

Having this kind of experience may intrigue you if you:

. like to be among lively spirits.

. are attracted by the prospect of being in company in which everybody present is willing to take the risk of talking to others who they have not met before. And that all present participate fully, nobody holds back and watches.

. feel more lonely than you would wish to be and recognise that here is the kind of opportunity in which you may start to become more confident in ‘stepping out’.

. know deep in your bones  that coming together to treat each other well – no matter who it is you meet – is becoming increasingly vital in our uncertain and troubling times. Among at the core of which is climate action.  And that each and everyone of us has an important role to play in taking the initiative to learn and act to connect well with others.

Hosts

While it is unusual to have a host at social gatherings  – which perhaps adds a little artificiality in the proceedings –  would you appreciate that conversations grow interesting and sincere precisely when people accept this?

The roles of the host are to welcome all present, outline the process of selecting your meal and then sharing your meal time with someone you have not met previously.

Also to keep in mind these ways of engaging in conversation with your partner:

#1.  Smile to indicate that you are delighted to have the company of whoever it is who will share the meal time with you.

#2. Give this person your full, undivided and ‘minimal judgement’ attention during your encounter.

#3. Be conscious that the main way in which you may learn how she or he sees life is … by asking question which indicate that you are greatly interested in hearing this.

#4. Listen carefully to what your partner says and also take note of the emotion(s) which underpin this. For by reflecting this, your partner will better appreciate that you have been listening with attention to what and why they were expressing particular thoughts.

#5. When you do add your input to the conversation be careful not to ‘go on’ and dominate the encounter.

#6. Be aware that what you may learn about your dinner partner may greatly astonish you! For she or he may reveal things to you – joyful or not so – that you could not have imagined. And be aware too that what you reveal to each is confidential to you both.

Organisers

This role is conducted by ‘savvy spirits’ who recognise that these events are a wonderful way of creating contexts to which people are attracted to come along to be participants rather than passive spectators. And who see opportunity for taking on a new practice within the organisation in which they operate. Or perhaps as creating a business as the coordinator/manager of events in conjunction with those who perform the other roles to do with Conversare events.

Venues

Owners and/or managers of diverse kinds of places in which people can come together to socialise may be alerted to – and recognise – the potential value to them of staging Conversare events. There could be many and various of these, among which are hotels, cafes, restaurants, community centres, sports clubs  …

Places in which the management recognises that here is a different way of attracting people to come to their places. Perhaps at otherwise quiet times. And that their venues could develop a reputation as ‘places in which much enjoyable interaction occurs quite naturally and easily. With everybody who comes along having the feeling of being welcomed and ready to play their part.

Organisations

In which the leadership recognises that here is a way of promoting wholesome connecting among people at all levels of the enterprise. Particularly to initiate and sustain the point that ‘We are in this together and to treat each other well’.

Here  are some exmples:

. For profit businesses – large and small.

. Not for profit enterprises – large and small.

. Stall holders in places such as shopping centres to help create a sense that ‘We are a community’.

. Schools in a particilar area  for reasons similar to the above.

. Local councils – membersand staff.

There  is at least one other major institution which could reap enormous benefits from introducing this intiative. What could this be?

What other organistions come to your mind,  given that the possibilities are limited only by our imagination. <smile>

To add:

Do you have an inkling that the idea of Conversare contains a thousand times the treasure you first suspect?

On the wind,  ie under development, are webinars for those interested in becoming Conversare hosts and/or others assoicated with this kind of event.

If these, or anything else you have noticed in this post,  interest  you – wherever you are on our fragile little planet, 3^rd from the sun – let me know through Contact

Looking forward.

Go well

Al  

Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Process Artist
Facilitator of conversations that matter and participatory fun
Blog:  www.conversare.net
Web:  Multimind Solutions

Book (Kindle):  Time to converse – at the heart of human warmth
Comments  on this book

______________________________________________

 

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