“Without my morning coffee I’m just like a dried up piece of roast goat.”
The Look of Conversation: Pausing over Coffee
My favorite mug reads: “I’m in my happy place”. And, it’s true: I relish coffee in the morning especially fresh ground coffee scooped into a brown filter and boiling water poured directly into the cone seeping slowly to the cup.
As the water makes its way into the pre-warmed mug, the coffee grounds are lightly stirred. I take two “whiffs”: the first when opening the bag and the second as I stir the grounds. Delicious! Yet, enjoying my solitary cup of coffee ignores some of coffee’s benefits: mainly, enjoying coffee over conversation:
“Coffee has been fueling us for centuries, pulling men and women into its embrace and never letting go. The rich, dark drink has been the topic of many a literary essay, and what better way to get a conversation going amongst intellectuals than a freshly brewed cup?”[2]
Not just for “intellectuals”, drinking coffee offers us social time. I often set up meetings or time with friends for this morning ritual, meeting at one of the many coffee places around Denver. Tons of conversation occurs over a cup of Joe, whether it’s a three-minute “pour over”, a triple latte, or a nonfat skinny Chai. In café’s we visually witness conversation happening!
Over the next few months I plan to interview Denver coffee shop entrepreneurs to understand and share their insights and observations witnessing conversation first-hand!
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My first interview is with Sandy Bock, owner of From the Ground Up on Colorado Blvd in southeast Denver.
What does conversation look like? Sound like?
Body language speaks volumes. We can see whether someone wants to engage in conversation by how he/she leans in towards the table, makes eye contact and shows earnestness and sincerity in facial expressions. In contrast, when someone sits cross-legged and or leans back, there’s clearly disinterest.
It’s easy to spot when friends are meeting because there’s chatting all the way around. When it’s a business meeting, laptops and paper work are on the table and the customers appear more restrained.
What makes a coffee shop a safe place to converse?
Our walls are painted in calm colors, including the soft brown ceiling. The overall acoustics are nice in our shop, too.
Tables are spaced well enough apart so that customers have privacy. When you look at some customers, they’re “plugged-in” with plugs in their ears, adding another layer of security that conversation is not being over-heard.
The art on the wall supports a comfortable welcoming environment.
How does conversation happen over coffee? What must be in place?
Coffee is an excuse to get together. We stress the ritual less and emphasize instead a reliable and safe product and place. With good coffee and a nice environment, customers focus on each other. There are no distractions, like television or extremely loud music. We offer a consistent community of people enjoying and focusing on one another.
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To enable conversation over a cup of coffee, Sandy Bock suggests:
- Consider our body language
- Make eye contact
- Choose and or create a warm and safe atmosphere
- Turn off cell phones
Where do your conversations happen most? Please feel free to share your thoughts at the end of this blog or on A Table In Time’s Facebook page. And, the first three people who leave thoughtful comments receive a $5 gift certificate to From The Ground Up. Ask a friend to join you!
Consider the time and place for connecting and conversing with loved ones, friends and new acquaintances. A coffee shop can be the perfect place. Pause and be present and let genuine questions about the person bubble to the top of your mind.
The weekend is almost here! Grab your “Joe” and a friend! Now is A Table In Time, bringing memorable conversation back to the table (or coffee shop).
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[1] “15 Glorious Quotes About Your Favorite Drink: Coffee”; The Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com/15-glorious-quotes-about-your-favorite-drink-coffee-smart-coffee-for-regular-joes-207462
[2] “15 Glorious Quotes About Your Favorite Drink: Coffee”; The Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com/15-glorious-quotes-about-your-favorite-drink-coffee-smart-coffee-for-regular-joes-207462
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