The Art of Connection: Topaz Adizes Reveals 12 Questions for 1% Better Intimacy
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My guest today is Topaz Adizes, founder of The Skin Deep. Together we dive into the art of making space, asking deep questions and creating intimate conversations. Drawing from Topaz's experience facilitating question-based games and my background in education, we explore the power of well-constructed questions and mutual respect in fostering deeper connections.
Key Takeaways: Creating Space for Connection: Topaz emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and open space for meaningful conversations to unfold. He highlights how simple games or structured question sets, like those found in his book 12 Questions for Love can provide the necessary framework for people to open up and share authentically. Sequence and Timing: The sequence and timing of questions play a crucial role in the depth of conversation. We discuss the architecture behind the sequence of questions in his book, designed to gradually build trust, explore conflicts, express gratitude, and reflect on deeper emotions.
Navigating Discomfort: Topaz and I acknowledge the discomfort that may arise from asking and answering probing questions. We get into the value of leaning into discomfort as a means of growth and strengthening relationships.
Crafting Questions: You know my love of asking questions. Topaz shares his insights into the process of crafting them, drawing from his experience in facilitating thousands of intimate conversations. He highlights the importance of intentionality and sometimes making grammatically incorrect questions to encourage authentic responses.
Creating Synergy: I reflect on my own experience with creating question-based games in my Public Speaking class, highlighting how such activities can build trust and break patterns, leading to unexpected moments of connection.
1% Better Takeawy: Asking meaningful questions and creating space for authentic dialogue can lead to deeper connections and insights. By understanding the art of asking questions and navigating discomfort, individuals can foster stronger relationships and personal growth.
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As always, thanks for listening to Episode 293!
--Joe