Conversation Corner is an answer created by End Loneliness Inc to foster connections between people.
In analysing and creating solutions to the problems raised by the loneliness research by CQUniversity, we identified that creating safe and accessible spaces and opportunities for people to easily connect and talk with others was critical in ending loneliness.
Why is it difficult to start a conversation and why is conversation corner needed?
Often, the most difficult part of breaching the loneliness gap, is the small step of starting a meaningful conversation with someone.
There are many reasons that someone, of any age, can feel isolated and alone. Some reasons can include:
The reasons can be simple or complex, but the important thing is the feeling of isolation – and that’s where we want to help you move forward.
For someone who is feeling disconnected and isolated, it can be a difficult prospect to strike up a conversation with someone. What if they don’t want to talk to you? What if they don’t have time? What if you are annoying them? What if it’s not welcomed? What if the conversation is short and brief and light and you still feel isolated after a surface level chat?
So many what ifs circling through the mind or even many failed attempts can lead to silence and deepened loneliness.
The solution
So, Conversation Corner was born! In this section, we look at two things:
Helping others
Helping yourself
The hardest part about talking to someone you don’t know, can often be figuring out what to say next. It is almost a bizarre concept, but the art of conversation can really be tested when you don’t know someone – how do you create a meaningful conversation?
It can be extremely tempting to introduce yourself and make some sort of comment about the weather, or the venue or the spring rolls being offered around the venue (as an example) but these conversations often lead nowhere, and you don’t really get to know the person that well.
Fortunately, there are many books that cover this topic and arming yourself with some questions to ask, is a really good idea. We are going to suggest some books below, but you should keep in mind that these are not just good books to help you start a conversation but also to deepen your existing skills, relationships and connection ability.
Here are some relevant books and articles:
Random questions to start and continue a conversation
Remember, conversation is not about interrogating someone but is also about asking follow up questions and sharing information about yourself.
and for some deeper questions:
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