Better Conversation Week
An annual celebration of meaningful dialogue, founded by Dr. Loren Ekroth in 2002.
About Better Conversation Week
Better Conversation Week is celebrated annually during Thanksgiving week. Founded by Dr. Loren Ekroth in 2002, this initiative encourages people to engage in more meaningful, thoughtful conversations with family, friends, and colleagues.
The Mission
Better Conversation Week promotes the art of quality conversation as a way to strengthen relationships, build understanding, and create deeper human connections. It's a time to pause from the rush of daily life and truly listen to those around us.
How to Participate
1. Practice Active Listening
True listening means being fully present and engaged:
- Put away your phone and eliminate distractions
- Make eye contact and use encouraging body language
- Listen to understand, not just to respond
- Ask follow-up questions that show genuine interest
Related articles: Learning to Listen, Powerful Listening, Velcro Listening
2. Ask Better Questions
Open-ended questions invite deeper conversations:
- Instead of "How was your day?" try "What was the best part of your day?"
- Ask "What do you think about...?" rather than yes/no questions
- Use "Tell me more about that" to encourage elaboration
- Show curiosity: "I'd love to hear your perspective on..."
Related articles: Ask a Better Question, Choose to Be Curious
3. Share Meaningful Stories
Stories connect us and create understanding:
- Share personal experiences that relate to the conversation
- Be authentic and vulnerable when appropriate
- Keep stories concise and relevant
- Invite others to share their stories too
Related articles: Please Tell Me Your Story, Storytelling to Ignite Action
4. Be Attentive and Responsive
Show you're engaged in the conversation:
- Respond with energy and enthusiasm
- Acknowledge what others say before adding your thoughts
- Use pauses thoughtfully - silence can be golden
- Build on others' ideas rather than changing the subject
Related articles: Conversational Energy, Golden Silence and Leaden Silence, Impro-versation: Staying Present
5. Show Kindness and Respect
Create a safe space for open dialogue:
- Respect different viewpoints without immediate judgment
- Use encouraging words and genuine compliments
- Avoid conversation stoppers like criticism or dismissal
- Practice patience, especially during difficult topics
Related articles: Kindness in Conversation, Open-mindedness in Conversation, Sure-Fire Conversation Stoppers
When
Better Conversation Week is observed annually during Thanksgiving week, providing a perfect opportunity to practice better conversation skills during family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Join the Movement
Whether you're gathering with family for Thanksgiving or connecting with friends, Better Conversation Week reminds us that quality conversation is a gift we can give to one another—one that costs nothing but attention, and enriches everything it touches.