In The Envoy II

Starfarers, 11.

"...you could teach two or three interested shipmates something you were knowledgeable about, such as a skill or a language..." (pp. 84-85)

If a dozen people were, e.g., stranded in an Alpine resort for a week, then they could pass the time by each delivering a short talk on a topic that they knew about or where interested in. The others would agree to listen and should usually find it interesting to be introduced to a topic about which they had previously known little or nothing. If anyone wanted to deliver a sermon, then the others would listen and might ask a few questions or raise a few points but would quickly move on to something else with anyone who wanted to hear more continuing the discussion privately later.

Members of our meditation group have been involved in line dancing, historical reenactment, teaching Accountancy and Buddhist scholarship. I have worked with people who knew about archery and cultivating flowers. One Cold Store Manager, expounding to his workmates about roses, suddenly broke off and asked, "'Ere! Are you really interested in this or are you just taking the Mickey?" Assured that they were interested, he continued.

Anyone who is interested in something can convey his interest in a short talk to a cooperative audience. Our Careers Adviser training involved delivering a talk to our tutor group on a topic of our choosing. Some dreaded it but I loved it. Such activities would obviously be helpful on an interstellar voyage.