Clark B. Montgomery Fast Company Article September, 1999

THE ART OF DIALOGUE Issacs, B. October, 1999. Pg. 166.

Forward

The following is my twelfth, and last, Fast Company article submitted for the Basic Skills: Examining Work and Life course. Remaining requirements, including the alternative journal/book articles, are yet to be submitted.

I cant say Fast Company has become my favorite magazine, but Ive come to appreciate the alternative (for me) perspectives it sometimes presents. Although Ive found many of the articles stimulating, Id be less than honest if I didnt admit that my definition of stimulating would include (beyond interesting and informative) the characterizations: puzzling, pompous, ridiculous and incredulous. My biggest criticism involves the frequency at which articles appear that seem to have little real content. Their commonality, an intellectual style and a zany layout, often promises far more than they deliver. My summation of those articles is that 1) they say absolutely nothing, or 2) involve such simplistic concepts that I seriously question the editors prudent use of space. However, there is a lesson to be learned from this - that it takes more than glitz and confusion to create substance.

Article Summary

The Art of Dialogue is an article written by yet another consultant who stresses the importance of good conversation and offers several skills to help readers improve their communication abilities. Initially, Issacs offers three principles that are basic requirements of effective conversation. That is followed by suggestions for weaving these principles throughout the four phases of conversation that, according to Issacs, must occur as conversation evolves from the cursory to the creative.

Issacs listed principles include: 1) Find your own voice  and speak with it; 2) Listen generously; and 3) Listen respectfully. In greater detail, Finding Your Own Voice emphasizes the importance of saying what you think  not what your organization or group wants you to say. Utilizing this skill, while being careful not to offend or provoke, stimulates responses or reactions that often enhances communication. Listen Generously points out that we are all constrained by our perceptions. Consequently, we can easily misinterpret what is being said by interjecting our own mental bias. The key is to openly listen to what is being said  opinions can be formed later. Finally, Listen Respectfully sounds simple enough but, Issacs points out, may well be the biggest obstacle to productive conversation. Assume that speakers know what they mean to say even if theyre having problems getting it said. Instead of trying to discredit a speaker or comment, try to look for coherence and meaning. Doing so not only enhances a conversation, but insures that important points (even poorly spoken) are communicated.

Issacs believes that there are four chronological phases through which all conversation will pass. Furthermore, all four stages must be completed for dialogue to be truly effective. He labels them as polite talk, breakdown, inquiry and finally flow. Polite Talk refers to the introductory stage where chit-chat and banal topics are discussed. Breakdown is the following stage and is often where conversations cease. This is the stage marked by conflict, where opinions are stated and there is struggle over whose opinion/meaning has more power or precedence. Inquiry, assuming the conversation gets this far, is the stage where speakers begin to set aside their positions and begin to want to hear what others are saying. Stage four, Flow, is the final and most productive stage of conversation. Unfortunately it is seldom attained. As this point, speakers are well in tune with one another and at a place where all the individual voices seem to fold into a group voice.

Issacs concludes his article with the caution that good conversation requires inclusion of all the above facets. He further warns that trying to skip or circumvent any stages will likely result in failure. His concluding advice regarding the stages of good conversation is to the point, Each of these spaces is necessary and okay. Try not to freak out when you find yourself in one.

Reflection

I found Issacs article on conversation to be one of the better articles Ive read and written about during this exercise. It was well written, concise, and instructional. Although many of his points seem obvious, on reflection they seem to principles often latent in conscious thought  well deserving of a reminder. For Extension Educators working with a variety of clientele in non-traditional settings, good conversation is an important component to effective programming  and something we all need to improve upon. In particular, I took particular notice of Issacs three skills. Throughout, he advises we forego our personal perceptions, be more open and try to listen/learn. Ill bet this guy has never even heard of Transformative Learning, but he sure focused much of his article on those techniques.

Discussion

In discussion with cohort peers, there seems to be no argument regarding general agreement with Issacs principles. Although Issacs may not be aware of his application of Transformative principles, his article is validated through their use.

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-- Anonymous, September 16, 1999