The Conversation Sandwich Theory

This was a title for a post that I've saved for sometime; it was something someone googled that carried them here for inexplicable reasons, but I thought it a very attractive phrase to describe something. Alas, I haven't been able to think yet of a good use for it.

I try to imagine what a "conversation sandwich" might be, perhaps a way of varying and associating topics so that conversation does not grow stale. Or, alternatively, a metaphor for creating conversation by putting the conversational meat between two lighter pieces of conversational bread.

Could there be some reference to condiments? Conversational mustard, maybe, or rhetorical ketchup? Is there lettuce or cheese in the sandwich? Are the crusts to be cut off?

I've been in a white-bread paradigm, but maybe whole-wheat bread would be more suitable, or maybe the newest craze for artisanal breads, usually found in distinctly non-artistic type situations. That, in itself, could be a metaphor for lively conversation in dull situations.

I'm afraid I'm at a loss, but it's such a nice phrase.

Posted on February 25, 2007 at 19.25 by jns · Permalink
In: All, Curious Stuff, The Art of Conversation

2 Responses

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  1. Written by rightsaidfred
    on Thursday, 1 March 2007 at 15.36
    Permalink

    I've heard of a "criticism sandwich": if you need to correct someone, you first pay them a compliment, deliver the criticism, then follow with another compliment. A way of softening the blow.

  2. Written by Gemma
    on Tuesday, 12 October 2010 at 15.47
    Permalink

    the top slice of bread = starting the conversation well and creating the right atmosphere and emotions (friendly, relaxed, interested)
    the fillings = listening, expressing and understanding
    the bottom slice of bread = good end to the conversation and leaving the right emoticons behind

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