Thoughtfully Speaking

Keeping Conversation and Storytelling Alive

Val Walker

Even before the pandemic, loneliness and Isolation have escalated in our lives without meaningful conversation and honest storytelling. Having a good talk with eye contact, listening with empathy, patience, and thoughtfulness may now be considered boring amid social media’s demand for excitement, standing out, getting likes, and gaining followers.

  I believe conversation, storytelling (and just plain hanging out) are seriously under threat. Yet I’ve found I’m in good company with many others of all ages who are fighting back, even though we appreciate the conveniences of social media.

Thoughtfully Speaking  is a blog devoted to celebrating the thought leaders and their organizations working to reclaim conversation and storytelling. I profile authors, speakers, podcast hosts, educators, and researchers dedicated to the power of communication through the spoken word. I also take a hard look at how social media and other technologies are diminishing our ability just to have a decent talk.