[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: OUTLOOK - Using "Conversations" in Outlook and Gmail

Wed Nov 5 07:32:37 PST 2025

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Webinars for You

NOTE: Webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.

November 5: [EMAIL] Organizing Email: Clear the Clutter, Stay in Control. Why Attend: You're tired of inbox overload and want ways to reduce it.

November 19:  [INTERNET] Internet Search Techniques: Search Smarter, Save Time<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cNQEZC3jfkREenwA2Rynvt6UjwXLlhmophWGmluVTJaHTDRgiZP2O03Fs9itOi798Ww34HORZZRfMX053JDqpLFFNnh-NyiKLgK-znrlJj0Gby-YC1x1wcSiOvfrBxOjzVEq7RQbRs2CpVzPUiobx2csfKqN99SQM0bI01KASAq4d9zKD2tL9iSNRv5XR7h-4pw-b6GTZrv-SIV8f5GMcw==&c=1Fb9fYAtxMBuAbLyop0AmsQ9Nvh441auw7CC4wrHjaLAduG7CSxB8w==&ch=bELEJUy-WShTMYvmaGl-XqX6w2etrLcD1wKfYADUhd-4x7pimJFq7Q==>. Why Attend: You want faster and more efficient search results.

December 3: [EXCEL]  Spreadsheet Storytelling: Interactive Features You Need. Why Attend: You want tips on bringing out your messages.

December 17: [GRAPHICS] GIF Animations for Images, Websites and Social Media. Why Attend? You want your graphics to grab attention.

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cNQEZC3jfkREenwA2Rynvt6UjwXLlhmophWGmluVTJaHTDRgiZP2O3SaLY0XnEnyilmE_o9nHfAlXSC-eHwBx1ZzpWV4TBe9eTdB3ihV5to2iCsYds2hB1NOWqpqTS1TMpIrrTGMPIMDFdxlb5tPKqqOdV3UrLQwosS91AqdcG4=&c=1Fb9fYAtxMBuAbLyop0AmsQ9Nvh441auw7CC4wrHjaLAduG7CSxB8w==&ch=bELEJUy-WShTMYvmaGl-XqX6w2etrLcD1wKfYADUhd-4x7pimJFq7Q==>

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"Organizing Email, Clear the Clutter"

WEBINAR: NOV 5TH

We're trying something new!

Wouldn't it be fun for you to be a guest sidekick for a webinar you're planning to attend?

What would you do?

·     Talk with Linda during the session.

·     Watch the chat to make sure questions get answered.

It's that easy! Let linda at tech-talk.com<mailto:linda at tech-talk.com> know if you're interested. (First one gets the slot!)

OUTLOOK - Using "Conversations" in Outlook and Gmail

Intermediate

[Illustration of a laptop and smartphone displaying code with yellow envelopes emerging from them and flying across a world map representing global email communication or digital messaging.]

Have you ever tried to follow a long email conversation that spans multiple notes? It’s easy to feel lost, right?

Here’s the problem…when a lot of people reply, the back-and-forth can get hard to follow. You scroll through your inbox trying to see what came first and who answered last.

The good news is that now you don't have to! Both Outlook and Gmail have a setting that fixes this chaos. It’s called Conversation View. This setting is when related emails are grouped together under a single subject line, appearing as a single entry in your inbox.

There are several benefits to grouping your emails by conversation. It...

1.  Reduces inbox clutter by pulling the messages into a single thread. This makes it easier to follow the back-and-forth. You can track each conversation more clearly.
2.  Keeps context. You see the replies in order, which makes it easier to follow.
3.  Saves time! You no longer have to dig through folders anymore. Earlier parts of the message are right there.
4.  Boosts efficiency by allowing you to scan the thread and find the part of the email you need.

So, whether you use Outlook or Gmail, and you need gather all the messages related to a topic, turn on the Conversation View. It keeps emails neat, saves time, and helps you stay on top of your work.

[Email inbox screenshot showing messages from Lauren and Anderson Eileen One email from Eileen is selected. Profile pictures or initials appear beside each sender.]
How to Turn on Conversations in Outlook

Outlook calls this feature Show as Conversations. The most recent reply appears at the top of the thread. When Conversation View is on in Outlook, it groups emails by subject line.

Turning Conversation View on or off:
1.  Go to the View tab in the Outlook main menu.
2.  Choose Conversations.
3.  Then select Message list. This is the section of your inbox where the list of emails is displayed.
4.  This menu will allow you to:

·     Group messages by conversations...keeping all the emails with the same subject together.

·     Group messages by branches within conversations...keeping all the emails with the same subject and any emails that branch off of the original subject and follow the flow of the discussion.

·     Do not group messages... this keeps every email separate from others and doesn't group them together.

[Screenshot of an email applications View tab showing options to group messages by conversation or by branches within conversations with numbered labels highlighting menu selections.]

Using Conversations in Gmail

In Gmail, Conversation View is on by default. The newest reply appears at the bottom of the thread.

How to Turn Conversation View On or Off
1.  Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
2.  Select "See all settings".
3.  In the General tab, scroll to the Conversation View section.
4.  Choose Conversation View on or off.
5.  Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

[Settings menu showing Conversation View options. Conversation view off is selected meaning emails of the same topic are not grouped together. Conversation view on is not selected.]

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Communications: Talking

Being a good conversationalist

The holidays are nearing ... which means parties, get-togethers, and work gatherings. It makes for a good time to brush up on what it takes to be a good conversationalist.

You want to have a good time, right? That means get to know other people, chatting with them, building a relationship. What's the secret of doing that well ... and enjoyably? It's not about talking a lot — it’s about connecting deeply.

The best conversations feel like a dance ... balanced, engaging, and effortless. Here’s how to master the art.

1. Start by showing genuine interest. Ask questions that invite more than yes-or-no answers, and really listen to the response. People can sense when you’re truly curious about their ideas or experiences. Nod, smile, and use short verbal cues (“That’s interesting…” or “Tell me more…”) to show you’re engaged.

2. Next, practice the give-and-take of dialogue. Share your own thoughts, but don’t dominate. Offer something personal, relevant, or humorous to keep the flow alive. A good conversation is like a ping-pong game — both sides keep the ball in play.

3. Be mindful of tone and timing. Avoid interrupting, and allow pauses. Sometimes silence gives others space to think and express themselves more clearly. Also, keep an eye on body language — yours and theirs. Leaning in, maintaining eye contact, and mirroring gestures can subtly communicate warmth and attentiveness.

4. Finally, steer away from gossip or negativity. Instead, focus on ideas, experiences, and shared interests that lift the energy of the exchange. When people walk away from talking with you feeling seen, heard, and uplifted, they’ll remember you as someone they enjoy being around.

Good conversation isn’t a skill you’re born with — it’s one you cultivate through empathy, presence, and genuine human curiosity.

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When was the last time you visited the Tech-Talk online resource? It has all kinds of fun ways to solve issues, discover new ideas, and hone your skills!

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We're here to help!

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
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State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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