Why Do We Fear Conversations and What Can We Do About it?

It is most likely that you are reading these words on your smartphone. The device that once upon a time we used to converse with our closest ones solely has transformed into a smart digital device. We carry our mobile phones with us wherever we go, and it has changed our lives, let alone the form of our communication. One of the outcomes is the reluctance of people to have a face-to-face conversation and the fear of the moment their phone will ring for a voice conversation.

If you are facing a dilemma that involves another person, how do you handle it? What happens when you know you should have a meaningful conversation? Do you try and put it off? Avoid it? How does a situation like this make you feel?

It is likely to feel anxiety and try to find solutions that will not involve a needed conversation. For example, suppose you want a job promotion. In that case, you may secretly search for a job elsewhere to avoid a conversation with your boss about the desired promotion.

What about a personal issue? Will you ask a member of your family or a good friend to help, or will you anonymously consult with your social media companions? Another option will be to try and find a solution on your own.

It is common nowadays for people to try and avoid a challenging conversation based on pure fear the idea raises. Being intimidated is, of course, natural, but rather than avoiding the conversation, you may want to prepare for it to reduce the anxiety and discomfort the situation has created.

Your smartphone can now help you confront these feelings by using apps like CommReady. Its “precon” chatbot enables you to prepare for a conversation, look at a situation 360°, and define your whole stand towards the instance.

When facing a situation that you feel requires a conversation, there are five key questions you should ask yourself:

1. Can you define your feelings towards the situation?

2. How do you think your counterpart will react, and what will they feel or think?

3. What will happen if you decide not to have that conversation?

4. What is the worst that can happen if you have that conversation?

5. What do you think will be a fair outcome for both of you?

These questions, at first glance, may seem easy to answer. However, taking some time to think about them and letting them sink in may well gain you some new insights about the situation and your position in it. You will then manage to plan your steps in a more calming manner.