The Importance of Meaningful Conversations
We sit down with Kyle Coon, a professional adventure athlete, speaker, author, and podcaster. Together we delve into the significance of meaningful conversations in both personal and professional settings, particularly within the realm of internal communications. Kyle’s inspiring journey as a Paralympian and his expertise in conversational excellence provide a rich backdrop for this engaging discussion.
Kyle’s Journey and the Power of Resilience
Kyle recounts his journey, starting with the loss of his sight at a young age due to retinoblastoma. Inspired by Eric Weihenmayer, a blind mountaineer, Kyle pursued adventure sports, including rock climbing, hiking, and eventually triathlon. He highlights the challenges he faced along the way, including injuries and setbacks, but emphasises the importance of resilience and determination. His journey is marked by perseverance and a commitment to living a value-driven life.
The Four Cornerstones of Conversational Excellence
Kyle discusses his work as a certified guide in conversational excellence, a programme developed by Phil M. Jones. He explains that the programme focuses on helping individuals improve their conversational skills, which can lead to greater success in various fields. The episode delves into the four cornerstones of conversational excellence, which serve as foundational principles for effective communication.
1. Preparation and Intentionality
Kyle explains that the worst time to think about what you’re going to say is when you’re already saying it. Much like in sports, preparation and intentionality are crucial for success in conversations. He encourages listeners to think ahead about potential discussions, allowing for greater clarity and purpose.
Actionable Advice:
- Plan Ahead: Before entering a conversation, outline the key points you want to discuss.
- Set Objectives: Determine what you aim to achieve from the conversation.
- Practice: Rehearse important conversations to build confidence and fluency.
2. Curiosity as a Driving Force
Kyle emphasises that genuine interest in others fosters trust and rapport, which are essential for meaningful interactions. When we focus on understanding the other person’s perspective, we create opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Actionable Advice:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the other person to share more about their thoughts and feelings.
- Listen Actively: Show that you are genuinely interested in what the other person is saying.
- Avoid Assumptions: Approach each conversation with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
3. The Power of Questions
The person asking the questions controls the dialogue. Kyle illustrates this point through a brief role-play, demonstrating how asking thoughtful questions can lead to deeper connections and more productive exchanges. By guiding the conversation with curiosity, we can gather valuable insights and provide more relevant support to others.
Actionable Advice:
- Prepare Questions: Think about the questions you want to ask in advance.
- Be Strategic: Use questions to steer the conversation towards your objectives.
- Follow Up: Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into the topic.
4. Understanding Motivations
People act based on their motivations, not ours. Kyle highlights the importance of recognising what drives others, as this understanding can lead to more effective communication and collaboration. By aligning our objectives with those of the people we engage with, we can create win-win situations that benefit everyone involved.
Actionable Advice:
- Identify Motivations: Try to understand what motivates the other person.
- Align Goals: Find common ground and align your goals with theirs.
- Empathise: Show empathy and understanding towards the other person’s perspective.
Kyle’s Book and Podcast
“Discovering a Life Without Limits”
Kyle discusses his first book, “Discovering a Life Without Limits: How Cancer Took My Sight, Blindness Gave Me a Vision of the Mountains,” released in 2021. The book chronicles his life story, detailing his journey to becoming a triathlete and how he learned to live without limits. He expresses pride in the book, while also recognising that its impact ultimately lies in the hands of the readers.
“Kicking It with the K Train”
Kyle introduces his podcast, “Kicking It with the K Train,” which he launched in early 2023 during his recovery from shoulder surgery. The podcast features discussions with individuals who have influenced his life, helping him maintain focus on his vision. Kyle emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with people who can guide and support one’s journey. With over 50 episodes recorded, the podcast aims to extend the conversation beyond his personal experiences, helping others keep an eye on their own visions.
Preparing for the Paralympics
Regarding Kyle’s upcoming participation in the Paralympics, we explore his confidence and predictions. Kyle acknowledges the competitive nature of the event, noting that the top athletes in his category are formidable competitors. He expresses his goal of preparing thoroughly and leaving no stone unturned, while also recognising the unpredictability of race outcomes.
Guest profile
Kyle Coon is a Professional Adventure Athlete, speaker, author, and podcaster who is driven to help people keep an eye on their vision and find success. As a 2020 Paralympian and 2024 Paralympic hopeful, Kyle has proudly represented Team USA, securing a bronze medal at the 2021 Paratriathlon World Championships and numerous podium finishes worldwide.
Kyle’s journey extends beyond the racecourse. As the author of “Discovering A Life Without Limits,” he shares his story to motivate others. He’s had the privilege of speaking at organisations from community groups to Fortune 500 companies, imparting lessons on living a value driven life, the importance of building a strong team, and being resilient in day-to-day life.
Useful links:
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecoon/
Episode links:
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/the-psychology-of-communication-s3-e21/