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Impromptu and unstructured conversation on couches
Facilitated dialogue surrounding a specific, in depth topic
Creative programming contributing to the culture of conversation
What makes TableTalk℠ unique is how it is tailored to the needs of each school. While some chapters decide to focus on creating relationships within organizations on campus, other groups want to focus on individual students and create programs such as LookUp, where students are encouraged to put their phones away and socialize face-to-face with their friends during a meal.
Sitting on a CampusCouch and having strangers walk up to me and start conversations is something I thought I would never experience at Penn, yet TableTalk made it possible! Even the busiest of people would stop for a minute, just for small talk, and would often be surprised by the amount that they had in common with someone they did not know.
TableTalk℠ gives my school the place to have open discussions covering topics of all kinds, as well as the opportunity to generate close friendships. I have been personally impacted by each event I have attended in getting to know more about more people in my community. Through TableTalk℠, I have gained an expanded worldview and I know others have as well.
TableTalk℠ took shape at other universities, hundreds of college students sought out leadership roles and committed themselves to this work, making it their mission to connect groups, communities, and people who wouldn’t otherwise interact. TableTalk℠ doesn’t look exactly like it did in 2013. It has adapted to the visions of individual campus leaders who seek to fill the voids they see on their own campuses. Five years and thirty chapters later, we’re proud of the culture change TableTalk has made on college campuses across the United States.
TableTalk℠ was important for my personal development and communication skills. I still think that talking to people sometimes can be really hard! It can be really difficult even for someone, like me, who considers herself to be outgoing. I learned through TableTalk℠ that it isn’t actually all that hard to start up a conversation with a stranger because all you have to do is say hello!
TableTalk℠ helps us find commonalities with people who look, think, and appear completely different through an important and much-needed approach that lets students lead the way. TableTalk fosters a healthier, more inclusive environment for us all.
