Hacking Verbal
Communication Systems
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Ryan Alexander (He/Him)
[@]RNAlexander[.com|@gmail.com]
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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I <3 Feedback
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Flow Control and
Consensus Modeling
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Flow Control
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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We have complex semi-conscious
real-time algorithms which we use in
collaboration with other people’s
complex semi-conscious real-time
algorithms to control the flow of the
conversation.
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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The Village Where I
Couldn’t Keep
Talking
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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The Village Where I
Couldn’t Keep
Talking
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Our Algorithms are Not
Identical.
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Even if our algorithms were identical
we’d all still be using our own
individual weightings.
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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So let’s hack those algorithms!
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Two Flaws in Our Native
Algorithms…
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Race Conditions and Jerks
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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We use pauses in our language
as part of the flow control
signalling, this generates race
conditions
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Using a visual channel for
explicit signalling allows people
to avoid some of the race
conditions
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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You make better decisions when
all the information is present.
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Inserting yourself into
conversation is a skill that is
unevenly distributed, and does
not correlate to the value of what
is to be said.
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Consensus Modeling
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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The ‘speaking’ set of symbols also
act as an active polling system for
consensus around flow control
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Subtitles for the conversational
meta-track
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Can be much friendlier for
neurodiverse individuals
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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A Few Implementation Points
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Works great with an explicit
facilitator (makes their job easier)
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Can help encourage
underrepresented people to
contribute
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Doesn’t work audio-only /
disadvantages seeing-impaired
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Not the only game in town but
be careful
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Confession Time
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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The more you use it,
the less you might need to use it,
but don’t let it slip into
undocumented dogma
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Send the Right Signals
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander
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Give it a try,
and thank you!
Handsignals image and more information:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_movement_hand_signals
#ConvoHack
@RNAlexander