Power of  conversation.

By Jonathan Halls

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• Conversations spur on your imagination

• You learn from conversations

• You make connections from conversations

• Make sure you plan for conversations

Connections often inspire our imagination.  This is something we have talked about elsewhere on the icecreativity.com.  Connecting ideas lead on to the creative process of synthesis. 

A great example of synthesis is the printing press which was the synthesis of two functions – ink and the wine press.

Connecting people is a powerful way of developing new ideas. Conversations can introduce you to new ways of thinking and different perspectives.

The more people you talk to, the more raw data your brain has which it can draw on when you need to generate new ideas.

When you turn off your critical faculties, the ideas naturally ferment.

Use conversations to learn
When you engage in conversations, be open to the other people’s ideas and thoughts.  What constantly amazes me in conversations is how few questions people ask other people. 

People often spend more time talking about themselves than asking questions.  What kind of way is that to learn new ideas and feed your imagination?

Avoid having conversations to tell people about yourself.  And when people share with you, try not to subconsciously reject their ideas or comments.  Instead ask yourself, “I wonder if?” or “How interesting…”

Have fun and laugh with them.  Ask your conversation partners loads of questions and let them challenge you.

Truly creative people love to learn.  They have an open mindset that fosters interest in learning from others and allows the ideas and experiences of others to stimulate their own imagination.