In conversation, as in all of nature and life, there are components of Yin (feminine and receptive) and Yang (masculine and transmissive)

The two components are these:

There is listening (Yin) and speaking (Yang).

There is leading (Yang) and following (Yin).

During conversation in modern societies, these qualities are best expressed in approximately equal proportions.

In Western, extraverted cultures, conversation tends to be more Yang, and that makes conversation more competitive than collaborative.

In more quiet cultures, such as native American, you find more Yin and less Yang. (Example: During the native American "council" process, one speaks only when moved to speak, and then one speaks only his truth.)

When you balance your talking/sending and listening/receiving, your conversations will improve.

Just above the header "Better Conversations Newsletter" at the top of this issue, you'll see icons for Facebook and Twitter. Clicking on those will take you to your Facebook or Twitter page. The link to this issue will also appear. You can add a comment and post it so your friends can access this newsletter.

Loren Ekroth ©2012, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life.