The value of not getting to the point (2015)
4 hours ago
- Food and drink during conversations alleviate the pressure to constantly have something to say.
- Conversations often require a gradual warm-up period before discussing sensitive topics, as directness can be uncomfortable.
- Speaking involves vulnerability due to the imprecision of language and potential social penalties, leading to cultural rituals like chitchat to build trust.
- Twitter's 140-character format lacks these conversational rituals, contributing to online communication problems.
- Explicitly stating intuitive aspects of human nature can be valuable, though it risks seeming obvious to others.