Have a Heart Talk
What is a Heart Talk?
A Heart Talk is a very structured communication process in which eight agreements are strictly adhered to in order to create the safety for a deep level of communication to occur without the fear of condemnation, unsolicited advice, interruption, or being rushed. It is a powerful tool used to surface and release any unexpressed emotions that could otherwise get in the way of people being totally present to deal with the business at hand. It can be used at home, in business, in the classroom, with sports teams, and in religious settings to develop rapport, understanding, and intimacy.
Guidelines for a Heart Talk
Start by asking people to sit in a circle or around a table. Introduce the basic agreements, which include these:
- Only the person holding the heart (or designated object) talks.
- Don’t judge or criticize what anyone else has said.
- Pass the object to the left after your turn.
- Talk about how you feel.
- Keep the information confidential.
- Don’t leave the talk until it’s declared complete by the facilitator.
Results of Having a Heart Talk
- Enhanced listening skills
- Constructive expression of feelings
- Improved conflict resolution skills
- Improved abilities to let go of resentment and old issues
- Development of mutual respect and understanding
- Greater sense of connection, unity, and bonding
Some Applications for the Heart Talk Process
Heart talks help create safe space. They can provide structure and a process in which to have difficult conversations or discussions around sensitive or controversial topics. They can be used to give and receive feedback, resolve conflict, explore a topic in depth, create safe space for deeper sharing, manage a crisis or sudden loss, brainstorm solutions, get to the heart of a matter.
Source: The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield
Provided by:
Trisha Jacobson
Certified Success Principles Trainer
www.trishajacobson.com