Conversation or Discussion?

In my Powerquotes Plus members today received the following...

"Conversation means being able to disagree and still continue the discussion."

- Dwight Macdonald, author and editor

Questions to Ponder

1. Given this definition, how often am I in conversation, rather than discussion?

2. What is my biggest barrier to conversation?

Actions to Consider

1. Listen more.

2. Keep an open mind.

3. And focus on conversation, not discussion.

Make it a Day of Conversation!

To which a long-time member wrote ...

I apologize, but I'm in having a bit of confusion over this one. It appears to me that "conversation" is a superset of "discussion" rather than something different or contrasting. I believe that "conversation" vs. "arguing," or something similar, may be the contraries.

And here is how I replied...

...For many people, the idea of a discussion is something akin to a debate, where two sides "discuss" a topic, hoping to convince their "opponent" to agree with them. In fact, the origin of the word discussion literally means to "smash to pieces." (It shares a similar history with the word concussion - ouch!) Some people have "discussions" with their bosses. They have "discussions" with their parents (or children). With those origins, it is clear to see why many people carry a somewhat negative perspective of this word...

Which is why I like conversation or dialogue as a concept and expectation for positive, collaborative interchange. As you can see, I might not have used the authors words, but I think his point is valuable.

It is valuable, because the words we choose matter. In your next intercahnge, whether with a colleague, family member, customer, or neighbor, have a conversation, because I'm sure you don't want to "smash something to pieces."

Converse.

Listen.

And keep an open mind.