How to Navigate Tricky Conversations: What Topics Should We Avoid?

Hello,

I am attaching a PowerPoint presentation on "Topics to be avoided in a conversation."

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Arti Dadhich
Smart Start Training Solutions

Dear Arti, you may have added or suggested those topics that are not taboo, so after erasing the topics listed out by you, what is left that generates discussion? In my thirty-seven years of experience, I agree that politics, women/men, and religion are a no-go even in the Army. But trust me, the former two dominated most discussions. I used the word "discussion" and not argument. Yes, religion always boiled down to heated exchanges and should never be talked about in any office.

Suggested Topics for Discussion

Some suggested topics could be sports - Cricket vs. Football (I prefer football), movies, the latest mobile/iPod, environmental issues, and so on. It's the "yawn" factor that makes topics more discussed. Think about it!

Regards,
Col J H Mayne

Hi Arti,

It's my first comment on this site. The PowerPoint presentation is really cool and has great content. I am planning to share this with my team during our meeting this week.

A million thanks,
Pankaj

Hi, yes, I liked the PPT. Thanks for the quick response. I was wondering if one could convert the points into caselets and administer? It would make a great learning experience. Thanks again.

It's a good presentation. However, depending on the situation (for example, if no topic is generating sufficient interest), it may be worthwhile to bring in a controversial topic like, say, politics. The main thing one needs to take care of in doing so is that none of the people present should be so radically committed to one viewpoint on the subject that a contrary view hurts them.

It will no doubt be a good idea to follow this up with Topics That Can Be Discussed in a Conversation to answer the normal question that arises in one's mind after reading the presentation: if all this is to be avoided, then what should be discussed?