The Conversation Strikes Back!

An evening of discussion and debate about the degree to which face-to-face conversation is under threat in the digital age. Talk versus text, smartphone addiction, social anxiety, loneliness and polarisation - we want your views, insights and stories.

And maybe, just maybe, there’s room for optimism!

Your host (Andrew Thorp) explains:

THE CONVERSATION STRIKES BACK!

It sounds like a battle and it’s true. There’s a battle for our attention in a world of social media and the ‘always on’ status of human beings. And to suggest that we might replace online activity with actual face-to-face conversation is a tough sell.

But I believe there’s something of a connection crisis in the world right now. Low quality connection masquerades as something better and dupes us into thinking that we’re happy when we’re scrolling, swiping, tapping and texting.

We’ve known this for a few years, but I sense we’re more concerned now about what it’s doing to us – loneliness, mental health issues, inactive lifestyle, lack of confidence in social skills and dysfunctional relationships.

REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-technology by any means. I just think we need to use it to free up time for us to do more meaningful (human) things.

I also believe there’s a need for a ‘counter-movement’, and that’s what these discussion groups are about. I’d like to hear your views on this and I’m hoping to build a community of people who value human connection and the conversations that help create it.

About your host

- an award-winning speaker and a business storytelling coach & consultant.

Event format

• Arrive from 5.15pm (start 5.30pm)
• Chat with others over a coffee or glass of vino!
• Introducing the topic (a facilitated discussion)
• Whatever your stance on this, let’s hear your views, stories and insights
• Finish around 7pm.

PLEASE NOTE:

You are respectfully requested to leave your mobile phone in your bag or jacket pocket throughout the discussion (no surprise there)!

Host or Publisher Andrew Thorp