by Melody Hearndon

Created on: June 08, 2009

Conversation is simply defined as spoken words between people. When conversation is understood between said people and there's an ebb and flow that exists, then we are in the presence of communication and all the wonderful ways in which to express ourselves more effectively. It's he said and she said, back and forth. There's a symmetry that flows with ease and eloquence.

Communication doesn't always mean words. There's often body language that's added into the mix of any conversation. We've all witnessed the person that can't speak without their hands in full swing. It facilitates the one speaking by allowing the hands to accentuate the conversation, therefore shedding more light on the topic of discussion.

Adding to the debate surrounding conversation, is the Internet itself, and the many ways in which to connect with one another, yet speak even fewer words. We can stay in touch with others simply by clicking our mouse and yet never really speak to those in our "contact" list. It takes the word acquaintance and stretches it to an altogether different level.

In the 19th Century, conversation was as eloquent in its manner and appropriate in its era, and yet today it would be considered long winded when compared to our current manner of speech. For instance, LOL would mean laugh out loud; however in 19th century, one would have just laughed out loud if they overheard something humorous, and would have spoken of how funny that was by going into detail, allowing for that person to laugh at what made them laugh.

Conversation is not a lost art. It's the manner in which we choose to converse that's dying away. We all carry some form of communication device, be it a blackberry or the popular I-phone. There's texting that's quickly becoming the norm for our youth. Instant messaging long ago replaced the quick phone call from years gone by. There are so many options available to us as a society; we need not even speak if that's our choice.

What would our forefathers think of all the advancements made in technology, where we have all these intricate devices that speak for us in ways we can't if unavailable, or won't because quite frankly, we don't want too. Would speeches such as Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address been simply texted to avoid the need of his presence? What kind of impact does text messaging have that could even compare to the presence of a human being?

Conversation is how we inspire one another in ways that no amount of technology should replace. Where would we be as a nation, had we not been inspired by the speech President Kennedy made when he spoke, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather, what you can do for your country". At the time, I was but a child, but the feeling that came over me has long since remained.

Is it not our purpose and intention by way of conversing with others to convey our thoughts, feelings and ideas through conversation? As a society, to further explore this downward spiral of events, one will have to ask what went wrong. Has the art of conversation died because we've allowed outside devices to speak for us, or has it died because we have nothing to say? Without mere words, where would writers be? We are an extension of all that surrounds us. How best would one convey that, then through conversations and words that flow between us all?

Be an observer when you engage in your next conversation. Pay attention not only to your words, but to those that are listening as well. How well you converse will be apparent in how they further engage you into a more in-depth conversation. It's only a dying art because we've allowed it.

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