The small boy stands up and towered over the toy soldiers he has strategically placed, ready for battle. He bellows orders to his men, and they comply to his every word.
Have you ever wondered why some people are quiet? Have you ever wondered why some people feel the need to say something while that “something” is so totally off cue? Have you ever wondered what makes a conversation? Now I wish I were able to answer all these questions in one simple note. I mention it, though, because these is a link between these questions. Also, there are more to it than what you are about to read. In short, a conversation does not have to be restricted to any one topic, but it does involve words and emotions. Emotions, although not always, can have an impact on the tone of the voice and therefore you can include tone as being part of a conversation.
Personality has a role to play in a conversation. Some topics may require a certain level of knowledge, but personality may still be relevant in such a discussion. How about background and skillset? Conversation is mostly considered natural. Yet, being deprived of conversation in your formative years can play a role in your contribution to a conversation. On the one hand, you may feel an inability to contribute to the conversation and opt to remain quiet. It may also be that at points in your formative years you were denied the right to partake in discussions or general conversation. On the other hand, your personality or your mood is such that you want to contribute at all costs. This is when you speak out of turn, off cue and you may even fumble over words. Conversation is a skill albeit that part of it is “natural”. Much of this natural ability is through observation and the ability to develop vocabulary.
What about the boy who so confidently bellowed his instructions? This same boy may yet be the quiet one. He was in his safe space where he could be vocal. There were no people around, at least not human. He is the boy that was perhaps left out. This feeling will live with him for a long time even at times when he is surrounded by people and in a closed setting. You have a role to play in your mannerisms, actions, and speech so that this little boy, who may now have grown into a man, may feel included.
The biggest test on humanity right now is their humanity. Humans are social beings. You have a role to play in not letting the next generation grow up unable to love and converse and, most importantly, to be social misfits.
The role of the coach: visit www.itsmylifecoach.co.za
Let us make a difference together.
Picture courtesy: Kids Toys Channel
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