“What was your favorite part of the day?” This is the question we end every day with every one of our kids. We tuck each of them into their beds, tell them goodnight, and await a response. There is always a range of replies. Some say the same thing almost every night…” playing outside, eating, and running around”. Others want to give us a detailed play-by-play of every aspect and emotion of their day. Regardless of our kid’s response, we love how this daily discipline gives us time to connect with each child. However, it does have its downside.

The adverse reality of this routine is that we don’t always have the best conversations. We will hear the same information several times each night. Or we may just get a pat answer because someone is already half asleep. Although good, it can feel repetitive at times. But it has revealed to me how crucial conversation is to human life. We all want to be heard, seen, and known. Conversations are essential to that happening.

Most of us would like to learn how to have better conversations with those around us. The problem is that if asked, most of us would have no plan for how to improve our conversation skills.

Ed Welch

Relationships thrive on conversation. Leadership is built on having a good conversation. You cannot lead well those whom you do not know and you cannot know people well if you don’t have a conversation with them. If you are going to thrive in leadership, if you are going to have good relationships you better be good at or improving your conversation skills…but how? This is where Ed Welch provides “10 Ideas to Have Better Conversations“. If you’ve ever had an awkward conversation or less-than-great conversation, you are bound to find a helpful tip or two in the article.

READ THE ARTICLE

I know I need to keep improving my conversation skills…just ask my wife and kids. I found a number of these ideas to be helpful and immediately applicable. I even used one of these tips in the midst of writing this post. What about you? Do you feel like great conversations come natural to you or do you have to work at it? What additional advice would you give about having good conversations? As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s Day.

Until Next Time…