My biggest issue with WFH is that my conversation wit / debating skills are degrading. When I was younger I debated and sparred a lot in school. Then it was in the office, and afterwork drinks. How can I hone that skill now, do you guys have tips?
I struggle with replacing the banter and idea exchanges of after work drinks. I think I could do a better job of making social time and doing after work drinks with people who are local to me and maybe even or especially working in different fields.
can definitely relate. audio chat spaces have been invaluable for this reason. they can be very hit or miss but when done with the right people, it's a great tool to argue for the sake of learning.
I’ve been doing it via social. It’s less debating and more, what kinda replies or ideas stir up the right friction to have others engage with the idea - opt-in vs. opt-out. Almost inverted. Before the environment invites debate, now, the ideas invite debate. Still playing with this thought.
I’ve thought about this a lot! There’s a mental acuity/sharpness that develops when negotiating real time conversation. I don’t think calls with friends can replicate it. Might recommend putting yourself in positions with more unknowns, where you’re forced to think on your feet. Volunteering, meetups, etc.
Isn't that what twitter is for? (Or I guess farcaster if you want more highbrow conversation / debate)
No real replacement online imo. If wfh and can’t meet coworkers regularly, irl meetups are very helpful (can make your own w friends and friends of friends).
hear me out write your arguments out and write the counter arguments rinse. repeat.
Just set up unstructured "coffee breaks" on Zoom with coworkers looking for the same thing.
I sense debating has gotten dumber despite that. So many people are like tribal PR spokespeople. At least ten years ago people would just debate to debate without having all the data
Do the same, but remote. Honestly, I'm not getting the obstacle here. Are you saying that you can't have debates UNLESS they are in-person ones? What about video/audio calls? I engage in many thoughtful and articulated conversations over the phone, with or without camera on. I don't miss in-person work at all.