Connection Before [Real] Communcation

‘Connection before Content’ is a phrase coined by Peter Block and oft quoted since.

Giving a few minutes, even a moment or two, to get everyone connected at the beginning of a meeting or seminar is a brilliant way to elevate the quality of our communication afterwards.

Connection is different to an icebreaker.

At best the latter might, or might not, warm the room enough to cause a slight thaw. 🥶

At worst it can elevate the anxiety levels of the shyest, most reserved, leaving them on edge. 😬

Whether we already know other people in our meeting or not, we each arrive alone - coming in as we do from our different lives.

Creating an opening question that relates in some way to the purpose of our meeting, one that everyone present (including any chairs or facilitators) can answer from their own knowledge or experience really helps.

How so?

Giving everyone voice it is an opportunity to:

🟡 Connect around the purpose of the meeting

🟡 Become present to each other

🟡 Share more personally and more deeply

That makes a real difference to our unfolding communication.

What might be a great connection question for one of your meetings today?


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