The Dynamic of a True Conversation

​The Dynamic of a True Conversation (Read time ≈ 5 minutes)
Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
 
A real conversation takes two to tango. While most people don’t generally enjoy being on the quiet end of a one-way conversation, the more verbally active side very rarely, if ever, benefits from the “conversation” (if you can call it that). Now, I’ll preface the rest of this to say, this is speaking about mutual conversation and of course does not fully apply to receiving council or advice from someone in headship or with good wisdom. Many times, in those scenarios, listening is your most crucial role.
 
So often, conversation can easily become one sided therefore, killing the real growth and understanding that can come from a mutual conversation that is full of real discussion, two viewpoints, a desire of mutual understanding and growth.  This thought has a wide application. Rather it be within a relationship of two people trying to sort out a conflict between each other or two people trying to understand challenging concepts within the Bible, within life, or anything in between. The dynamic of a true conversation is essential to the growth and understanding of both parties involved. Even in a situation where one party is more well versed or knowledgeable in the topic at hand, it does them well to listen and gain understanding of the other person to better understand the need of direction for the conversation.
 
The personalities of people involved play a big part in this. Some people are quiet and reserved and don’t generally assert themselves while others are louder and more outgoing and do not hesitate to speak up when thoughts or ideas come to mind. Neither one of these characteristics are a bad thing if that person understands their tendencies in conversation. Understanding yourself and how you operate, followed by understanding people around you and their tendencies in conversations will lead to more fruitful and beneficial conversations that result in growth for both people involved.
 
There is much to be gained from one another when we slow things down, allow our conversations to develop and most importantly, seek out intentional, real conversations about important topic that will bring mental, emotional, and most importantly, spiritual growth. If you tend to rule the conversation, slow down and ask questions and be sure to listen to the answer; seek out understanding. If you tend to be ruled over in the conversation, take your opportunity to step in and be heard but not for the sake of just being heard, but for the sake of understanding and growth. Sometimes, this means asking your talkative friend to slow down and listen (do it graciously, and I am sure they will allow it!). Ultimately, there is much we can learn from other people regardless of if we believe they are above us or below us intellectually; you may be surprised. Being quick to listen, you will even learn valuable lessons from a child, when you hear and seek to understand in all conversation.