The art of conversation - 6 Minute English

Summary

In this 6 Minute English episode, Sam and Neil discuss the art of conversation. They explore the importance of listening to understand rather than just replying, emphasizing how good conversations can build bridges and improve relationships. The episode also touches on social media's impact on communication and introduces tips for having meaningful discussions. Additionally, the hosts mention a world record for the longest telephone conversation, which lasted 54 hours and 4 minutes. Key vocabulary includes 'chinwag,' 'enriched,' 'survival instinct,' 'build bridges,' 'tittle-tattle,' and 'talk over.'

Takeaways

• 😊 **Chinwag**: A chinwag is a long and pleasant conversation between friends, emphasizing the joy of communication.
• 🗣️ **Art of Conversation**: The program discusses the importance of conversations, defined as the exchange of ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
• 📱 **Social Media Impact**: With the rise of platforms like Twitter, there's concern that the art of conversation is being lost, as people are more focused on expressing opinions rather than listening.
• 🎙️ **Record-Breaking Conversation**: A world record was set in Latvia in 2012 for the longest telephone conversation, lasting 54 hours and 4 minutes.
• 👂 **Enriched by Listening**: Nihal Arthanayake emphasizes that listening enriches us by helping us understand others and ourselves better.
• 🤝 **Survival Instinct**: Nihal also mentions that conversation was a survival instinct for him growing up as a British Asian boy in a predominantly white school.
• 💬 **Listening to Understand**: There's a key difference between ‘listening to reply’ and ‘listening to understand’; the latter helps build bridges and improve relationships.
• 🌉 **Building Bridges**: Good conversations can bring people together and are seen as an art form that builds bridges between different people.
• 🗣️ **Tittle-Tattle**: Unlike good conversations, tittle-tattle refers to unkind or untrue talk about others, often disapproving.
• 🔊 **Talking Over**: Good conversation involves taking turns and not talking over someone, which means silencing others by speaking more loudly.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this 6 Minute English episode?

The main topic discussed is the art of conversation, focusing on how conversations are an exchange of ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and how they can bring people together.

What is a 'chinwag' as mentioned in the script?

A 'chinwag' is a long and pleasant conversation between friends.

How does social media affect the art of conversation according to the script?

The script suggests that social media encourages people to give their opinions without always listening in return, which some believe is causing the art of conversation to be lost.

Who is Nihal Arthanayake, and what is his contribution to the topic of conversation?

Nihal Arthanayake is a DJ and BBC radio presenter who has had numerous conversations with people during his career. He wrote a book titled 'Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations,' where he shares his insights on improving conversation.

How did Nihal's mother's job influence his approach to conversation?

Nihal's mother was a nurse who loved talking to people, which gave Nihal the sense that listening enriches a person by adding new experiences and understanding others' perspectives.

What does Nihal mean by saying he used conversation as a 'survival instinct'?

Nihal, as a British Asian boy in a predominantly white school, used conversation as a way to make friends and protect himself, highlighting the human instinct to seek safety in potentially dangerous situations.

What is the difference between 'listening to reply' and 'listening to understand'?

'Listening to reply' involves focusing on what to say next rather than understanding the other person's point of view, while 'listening to understand' helps build bridges and improve relationships.

How can good conversation help build bridges between people?

Good conversation can improve relationships between people who are very different or do not like each other by fostering understanding and connection.

What is 'tittle-tattle,' and how does it differ from good conversation?

Tittle-tattle is talk about other people's lives that is usually unkind, disapproving, or untrue. Unlike good conversation, tittle-tattle does not build relationships or understanding.

What was the correct answer to the question about the world's longest telephone conversation?

The world's longest telephone conversation lasted 54 hours and 4 minutes.