Episode 16 | Creative Conversations
Thursday, June 06, 2024
Conversation is creativity at its very essence. You are literally creating words with your mouth and using your brain to bring something new into existence. Without the aid of a recording device, it's impossible to recreate a conversation, so every instance of conversation is unique.
Every conversation is an opportunity to problem-solve, learn something new, and interact with other people - all parts of creativity - and in this episode, we are exploring these ideas.
Episode Topics
- How conversations are related to creativity
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Environments for conversations
- Creating intentions for conversations
Creativity & Conversations
Conversing with someone else is creativity in the moment. It's not only the talking component but listening, too. Being open-minded and exposing yourself to different ways of seeing things enhances your capacity for creativity.
If you are in an audio-only conversation, your brain is visualizing what the other person is saying. In a face-to-face conversation, don't forget about body language. How you are moving plays a key role in communication.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Everyone will eventually have to navigate a difficult conversation. These conversations can challenge your existing beliefs and biases.
Fight the urge to get defensive. Go in with the mindset to understand - rather than be understood. A productive conversation is not one where you will change the other person's mind.
If you know a tough convo is coming, prepare by setting intentions. We've all had those uncomfortable family dinners where Grandpa Joe spouts some racist shit.
Be aware of your own biases, judgments, and stereotypes. We all have them. Embrace your limitations and know that you will get it wrong sometimes.
Consider your relationship with the person you are talking with and how you wish the relationship to proceed. Set boundaries accordingly.
Environments for Conversations
Work is a common place where challenging conversations can occur. There are certain expectations when it comes to professionalism or with gender roles.
Do you say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" when almost bumping into someone?
What about "bless you" after someone sneezes?
Or ending every email sign-off with "thank you" even if there's nothing to be thankful for?
Bonus creative activity: brainstorm different ways to sign off your emails
To Sum Up
- Knowing: Yourself and your intentions for the conversations
- You are not going to change the other person's mind
- Concentrate on what is being said, rather than what you want to say
The Four Q's
During this show segment, we introduce four ways to interact with the material presented: A question to answer, a quest to complete, an aspect of creativity we've noticed this week, and a quote to ponder.
Question:
What do you think will be the most challenging part of these conversations for you? Or what in the past has been difficult for you about conversations?
Quest:
Challenge yourself to have a conversation with someone different - a different cultural background, political views, etc.
Quality Creativity:
Decorating a temporary living space with color.
a colorful corner of the living room
Quote:
"Conversations about the weather are the last refuge for the unimaginative."
- Oscar Wilde
Have a Creative Week!
Episode Credits
The Everyday Creative is hosted by Evie Soape and Emily Soape. It is produced by Emily Soape.
Please drop us a comment or question at hello@theeverydaycreativecollective.com. You can also find us on Instagram @theeverydaycreativecollective and Pinterest.
Theme Music: “Living Life” by Scott Holmes Music. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive.
Break Background Music: "Alive In It" by Ketsa. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive
Hi, we're Evie & Emily
Co-founders of The Everyday Creative Collective
We believe that everyone is creative. Creativity can be used to enrich everyday life. Click here to learn more.
