Good afternoon. Today – for fun, entertainment, and thought – I’m going to tier rank conversations. Because the art of conversation has gotten so confusing, with all the recent technological advances. In a continuation of my last blog post, In Conversation. I’ve broken up some of the styles and situations, and added a few more. In all, I’ve listed nineteen different types of conversations a person might encounter. As I said – I’ve had occasion to engage in all of them.
First, in alphabetical order: with AI, ChatGPT, the Bar; the Blog; Book, magazine, or newspaper; online group Chat; the Church; the Classroom; w/a Doctor; with Family; personal Journal; w/a Lawyer; personal Letter, text, email; Locker Room; Playground; Podcast; Street Corner; the Water Cooler; Therapy Session.
Overlap.
Of course, there is some. Regarding the characteristics of each. However, all are transactional. In that there is an exchange wherein the exchange is of equal value. Or there is a power differential. Status also comes into play. Moreover, who’s in charge? and what are the stakes? Those factors are important. With that in mind – Let’s get into my tier rankings of conversations.
BEST:
Therapy Session. [Simply the most honest, authentic conversations I’ve ever had. Full stop. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll be as lucky. Some therapists, like many professionals, just aren’t very good.]
GOOD:
Bar; Blog; Book; Classroom; Journal; Podcast. intimate Chat. [I’ve always enjoyed these settings and do well. Due to my personality and abilities?]
ALRIGHT.
AI, / Chat GPT; Family; Letter; Playground; Doctor; Water Cooler. [I’ve generally done okay in these settings. However, they don’t wind my clock, float my boat. Whatever. Some times are better than others. It’s a hit or miss situation, depending on factors out of my control.]
NOT FOR ME.
online group Chat; Locker room; Street corner; Water cooler. [These situations are almost always out of my control – which I don’t like. It seems like the speaker is talking to others. In other words – it’s a performance.]
DANGER ZONE.
Church; Lawyer.
[In these two cases – I know I’m in trouble. In the first one, if i’m in church listening to a minister preach the gospel? I’ve reached the end and have given up.
In the second case, if I’m in conversation with a legal expert? My freedom, or my bank account, is in jeopardy.]
In Conclusion
everyone is different with regard to which kinds of conversations they’re comfortable in. Notwithstanding that, sometimes discomfort is good for you.
How would you rank the categories? Do you have a favorite? Or one you hate?
I forgot one, which will go into the top tier – the campfire conversation. How could I? Perhaps because it’s been awhile. Maybe 14 years? since I shared a campfire and conversation.
The campfire conversation might have the been the spark that ignited language? Now there’s a thought.
[The campfire convo is unique – Intimate, warm, with space for silence without awkwardness. It invites reflection, and honesty, without posturing or aggression. It entertains and soothes. It’s egalitarian – with each person having access to the “best seat.” Because the smoke shifts. Truly special.]
Any others I might have left out?