The Conversation Barometer

Sometimes it is difficult to start a conversation! There are times we sense that there is something wrong and we are uneasy bringing it up with another person because we don’t know HOW wrong the something actually is.

Fortunately for you, I have a very simple, very effective way to find out – I call it The Conversation Barometer.

Simply put, the barometer is a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the lowest emotional feeling and the 10 being the highest emotional feeling. When you sense something going on just ask the other person ‘On a 1 to 10 scale, where are you?’ Many times emotions are actually running a lot LOWER than we think they are, which can diffuse your apprehension about starting a conversation. (This goes back to our perceptions and the old everything’s ABOUT ME!) Even if the level is where you expected, or higher, you know what to expect.

Once you understand the level of emotion involved, it’s time to start the conversation. Learn more about how to do that, and different conversation starters and styles, in the relationships section of The Kindred Conversation.