# The Value of Not Getting to the Point

> Why conversation needs slow starts to address real issues.
- Title: The Value of Not Getting to the Point · Arneson | Shortify
- Summary: Why conversation needs slow starts to address real issues. Ken Arneson explains that people often need conversational warmups before discussing sensitive…
- Keywords: ken arneson, conversational warmup, dunning-kruger effect, twitter, social vulnerability, human communication, online conversation, technology, startups, Value, Getting, Point
- Source: Arneson — https://ken.arneson.name/2015/11/the-value-of-not-getting-to-the-point
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ken arneson, conversational warmup, dunning-kruger effect, twitter, social vulnerability, human communication, online conversation, technology, startups
## Conversation Purpose
The purpose of people getting together for a conversation over food or drink is to spare us from needing to have something to say throughout the whole conversation.
## My Daughter's Text
My daughter texted me wanting to talk but got annoyed when I asked what about.
## Conversational Warmup
We talked about Donald Trump and the presidential race for at least half an hour before addressing her real issue.
## Dunning-Kruger Effect
I realized I was clueless about how to behave in conversations, like many people who don't know they're incompetent.
## Online Conversation Flaw
Twitter's 140-character limit pushes people to get straight to the point, lacking the conversational rituals that ease sensitive topics.
## Vulnerability in Speech
Speaking about sensitive issues is vulnerable, so cultural rituals like idle chit-chat build trust before discussing difficult topics.
## The Risk of Speaking
Stating obvious truths about human nature risks insulting those who intuitively grasp these concepts but is necessary for self-understanding.
## Key takeaway

Ken Arneson explains that people often need conversational warmups before discussing sensitive topics, revealing a flaw in Twitter's short format.