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Irrelevancies
Techniques > Conversation techniques > Conversational Traps > Irrelevancies Description | Example | Discussion | See also
DescriptionA common conversational method is to say things that are irrelevant to the conversation or are of no real value the other person. We talk in order to talk, to be heard, but not to add anything really useful to the conversation. Typical irrelevant talk includes:
ExampleIt's raining. I had fish for dinner last week. In know I already said this but Jim's been a problem recently. DiscussionWe talk with others often just to assert our identity. By getting a reaction, our existence is affirmed. Yet sometimes we can think of little to say that contributes to the conversation, particularly when we are seeking to talk rather than listen. So saying anything seems better than saying nothing. Mobile communications and social media have exacerbated the need for constant conversation. When your friends are with you wherever you go, then the talk never stops and it is easy to run out of interesting things to say. Irrelevancies can be useful in situations where everyone is happy to talk about irrelevancies in order to sustain the human contact. In practice many conversations are like this. The conversation is about nothing in particular, yet all parties are enjoying it. Such small talk is more about the human side of interacting. It can be heard everywhere and may be noted not only through the minor subject matter but also the Irrelevancies are often accepted as a normal part of conversation, particularly in some social groups. Yet they fail when they become an irritation, which the speaker may not notice when they are in their own heads, talking and not watching. Some more constructive alternatives when you have little to say include:
See also |
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Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
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