"Some things make change... Other things make noise...”
-Ed Gordon, Conversations in Black
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
There is a lot of talking going on, but how much real conversations are we having..? Think about that for a moment...
conversation | noun a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged.
Are we talking with each other... exchanging thoughts, or talking at each other?
... are we listening to what others are saying... is there an exchange...?
conversation: an informal, usually private, talk in which two or more people exchange thoughts, feelings, or ideas, or in which news or information is given or discussed.
Are we hearing and listening to how people are feeling.. sharing information... providing a safe place for members of the community to be heard..?
...Maybe we are afraid to find out whats really going on,,,,
Conversations can only deepen connections when you pull your weight.
How will you work to improve your conversation skills?
What are you willing to do to become part of the solution..?
7 Ways to Improve Your Conversation Skills: (from lifeoptimizer.org)
1. Talk slowly: Typically, good talkers don't rush into a conversation.
2. Hold more eye contact: Most people keep eye contact about 2/3 of the time or less when they talk.
3. Notice the details: People with good conversation skills notice the kinds of things the average person doesn't.
4. Give unique compliments: Really pay attention to others, look beyond the facade, you may even be able to help others find out things about themselves they didn't know.
5. Express your emotions: Don't just present the facts, you are not a news paper. Express your feelings about those facts.
6. Offer interesting insights: Good talkers can frequently tell you things you didn't know and that you may find fascinating. They have a way of bringing unique knowledge and/or insight at just the right time in a conversation.
7. Use the best words: Words matter. Constantly develop your vocabulary and practice communicating as accurately as possible. You will develop a way with words and become better able to talk smoothly and freely express yourself.
Today’s Challenge: Use this moment in time to move past talking and have real conversations.
Select your group.
Establish rules and boundaries so all participants feel comfortable, safe, and heard.
Schedule a day and time, virtual or in person, if you have space to maintain the required 6ft social distance.
Have goals and rules of engagement available for all participants.
Moderate, or select a moderator to maintain order.
You have your plan now you are ready to get the conversation started. Here are some suggested questions: (from: Conversations In Black, by Ed Gordon) :
In what ways can young activists learn from elder activists?
What could elder activists stand to learn from their younger counterparts?
How can we heal the broken relationship between law enforcement and the Black Community?
Can you think of some laws that we could create or amend to better help Black people and people of color in America today?
What do you think will be the lasting impact of the #BlackLivesMatter movement?
How has the #BlackLivesMatter movement changed life for you, your family, your friends, and your colleagues in your community?
"Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you."
-Howard Thurman
We are in this together and you matter. Start your own conversations. Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
#learnandgrow, #leadbyexample, #responsibility, #bethechangeyouwanttoseeinothers, #justdoit, #levelup #youmatter, #blacklivesmatter, #standup, #speakup, #communicationiskey, #leverageyourprivilege, #Changeiscoming, #dontgiveup, #dontlosehope, #libertyandjusticeforall, #truth, #ittakescourage, #lifecoach, #leadershipcoach, #leadershipdevelopment
Reference:
Today's Quote and questions were taken from: Conversations In Black: On Power, Politics, and Leadership, by Ed Gordon
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