Can I Talk to You?

I think a lot of people these days fail to realize the importance of being a good conversationalist. Employment opportunities, friendships, marriages, and almost anything else you can think of are built on one's ability to talk to another person. Without that, you have nothing that a computer doesn't have. And even an advanced computer can have a basic conversation these days. So what sets you, as an individual apart?

I spoke to some children at my elementary school the other day and, before I left, I told them they had to promise me they would do two things: have fun and read. Everyone wants to have fun. Reading, on the other hand, is sometimes an acquired interest. But it is what sets us apart. Reading and even watching substantive programming on television and then formulating ideas that you can articulate to others will put you on such a different plane than everyone around you. All day, while I am applying for jobs, I am simultaneously watching the news because of the fact that knowing what is going on is potentially equally as important in getting the job as the application and interview are. If you don't know what's going on in the world, at least the major things, you will look like an idiot in the interview or on the first date or even in the sports bar at night. I hate NBA basketball (more of an NCAA guy) but I keep up with who's winning every series of the finals because it might come up in conversation one day and who knows where the conversation may lead.

I can still speak on every basic topic I could as a child because, if you exceed a plateau, you can always step back down to it, when needed. But if you hit a learning ceiling, there is no stepping up in your time of need.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown