As a parent of teenagers, I've found that walking and talking has been an incredibly effective way to connect with my kids on a deeper level but this approach isn't just limited to personal relationships. I've also discovered that walking and talking can be a valuable tool for business meetings and also professional networking.

Unfortunately, at this time there is a lack of specific scientific studies that directly correlate walking and talking with increased openness in conversation but there is strong anecdotal evidence that this is the case and it has certainly proven true for me over the years.

For me, here are some of the key reasons why I love, walk and talk so much…

• Reduced Social Anxiety: The physical act of walking can help alleviate social anxiety, making it easier for people to to open up and share their thoughts and feelings, as it provides a distraction from the intense eye contact that can sometimes make conversations feel awkward or pressured, ( particularly in a parent/child or manager /employee relationships which may have power imbalance.
  
• Increased Relaxation and creativity: The rhythmic motion of walking with someone can induce a state of shared relaxation, which can create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for conversation and creativity.
  
• Shared Experience: Walking together creates a shared experience that can foster a sense of connection and camaraderie that is often enough to allow people to be honest and authentic and drop their normal guards.

How have you found walk and talk? Is this something that you implement at home or in the workplace and what do you see are the benefits?