Source

Introduction

Conversation is a vital means of communication used to express feelings, thought, emotions or sentiment. It often involves two or more persons in a "you talk, I listen, I talk, you listen manner. Conversation may loose it's importance if it is of no value to either of the recipient hence a successful conversation requires mutual thought, feelings or interest.

Is There a Difference Between Conversation and Communication

Yes. Communication requires one active leader conveying his thoughts and ideas or information to his listeners. It doesn't necessarily require the listeners participation or response. The main purpose of communication is to pass information or thought because it is believed that the person communicating knows the interest, needs and wants of his recipient.
On the other hand, conversation requires two or more people all exchanging and gaining information to create an understanding.
Having a conversation requires communication but not all communication leads to a conversation.

Source

This article is a means of communication, but will it lead to a conversation? Conversation is necessary in community building.

Importance of having a conversation

Using this contest for example; it has five topics to choose one, two or more persons could write on one topic, all with different perspective and understanding. Thoroughly reading and analysing each point can serve as a channel for conversation since it's done by more than one individual and the listener (readers) can make a contribution thereby expressing their thoughts too.
*Conversation builds trust and understanding.
*Conversation strengthens communication since it brings to awareness mutual needs and wants.
*Conversation helps resolves dispute and enhance clarity.
*It's a building stone to grow community, organisation or businesses to stardom.
*Conversation can also influence one's growth and development emotionally.
*Conversation helps to know more about a person. It could be through questions and answer and exchange if information.
There are lot more benefits of having a conversation perhaps you have experienced it personally.

Types of conversation

Verbal communication seems to be the most used and beneficial way of having an conversation as it's gives the channel to take note of a person's facial expressions, intonation, passive body gesture, feelings amongst other things which on its own passes a message and maintaining eye contact or not.
It is also more effective as a lot of subject can be touched in a short period of time with proper understanding.
Conversation can also be held non verbally. Often times this is less productive as either of the recipient could be easily distracted, uncommitted or could birth misunderstanding. Perhaps what was texted as a joke could come off serious and unsettling to the recipient.
Other forms of conversation involves; formal conversation - could be for professional purpose or with people of higher power, informal conversation, negotiation, argument or better still debate, steeming (people have definitely connected and made friends cause of this platform), talk shows and many others.

Source

Source

The challenge

While having a conversation can be so easy for some people, others find it challenging to do so. Some may feel nervous, tense, even at lack of what to say.
Difference in language could also pose as a problem. For instance, one time while preaching from house to house, I met an elderly woman at her house the smile she gave showed she was happy to see us. After exchanging greetings in English, I learnt that she only understands Igbo language (one on the native Nigerian language) and I don't understand nor speak the language. She neither understands Efik/Ibibio, English nor the Nigerian pidgin language which I know. As a result, we were unable to have a conversation with her. We only smiled and used hand gestures to wave her goodbye.
Some introverted persons prefer their own space and rarely interact with others. Often times maintaining a conversation with other people could be a great challenge to them.
Sometimes, the recipient could be the problem. Giving monosyllabic replies, or portraying lackadaisical attitude can make having a conversation difficult.
Another challenge is our personal perception and assumptions. Without saying anything, just by seeing a person we may undermine a conversation, the person or ourselves. We may feel, this person is a snub, I'll run out of what to say and make a fool out of myself, even assuming the worst of a person.
Distraction
Lack of physical presence amongst other reasons.
Not making a move will birth no conversation.

Source

What can help?

Change they say begins with you.
We can try breaking out of our comfort zone. Have that conversation not focus on the feelings but rather on the thought and information needed to be discussed.
Drop the negative thoughts and assumptions. It may not be as bad as you imagine. Just give it a try.
Avoid monosyllabic responses. Avoid words that may stop the conversation before it start. And if the recipient is unresponsive, it's okay to walk out. Shows they are not interested.
If it's non verbally either through texting or emailing, it's best to have a fair knowledge about the person that way it will be easy to know if the person's message is serious or a joke, and avoid misunderstanding.
Don't forget regular conversation builds trust, understanding, friendship and strengthen bond.

Conclusion

Conversation is a deeper form of communication use to express feelings, emotions, thoughts and require two or more persons actively participating.
Conversation maybe be done verbally or non verbally but it's best done verbally to see the the passive expressions and non verbal cue.
Effective conversation requires being comfortable and clear.
Having a conversation maybe a challenge for some and other an easy ride, whatever the case, give it a try, focus in the information and result. Do whatever makes you comfortable, spice up the conversation and keep it rolling.

Source

Choices! What will it be? #65: I choose conversation. If I'm comfortable with you, I love to talk. I understand the importance of oral conversation but I'm more comfortable with sending text and chatting could be because I'm an introvert or maybe an ambivert but I'm trying to break out...
And I'll be honoured to have a conversation with @udyliciouz, @goodybest and other beautiful steemians out there someday. I'd also love to know your choices! What will it be? Thank you.