The Dos and Dont’s of Conversation
Have you ever had an awkward conversation?
Sometimes it’s because of the topic, or maybe you’re just not really interested in what the other person has to say. And sometimes it’s because you weren’t paying attention and didn’t hear a word they said. It can be frustrating for everyone involved when conversations are going nowhere fast, so here are some tips to help you be a better conversationalist.
DO
Pay attention. This may seem like common sense, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to tune out when you’re not interested in the conversation. Make an effort to focus on what the other person is saying, and ask questions if you need clarification. Be interested. It’s hard to have a good conversation if you’re not interested in the other person or what they’re saying. Try to be friendly and open, and show that you’re interested in learning more about them. Use body language. Your body language can tell the other person a lot about how you’re feeling, so make sure it’s sending the right message. Smile, make eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms or looking away. Be a good listener. Listening is just as important as talking in a conversation. Really try to hear what the other person is saying and respond accordingly. Keep it flowing. A conversation should have a natural flow to it, so try to keep the back-and-forth going. If there are lulls, ask follow-up questions or bring up related topics.
DON’T
Interrupt. It’s rude to cut people off, and it can completely derail a conversation. Let the other person finish their thought before you jump in. Dominate. A conversation is a two-way street, so make sure you’re giving the other person a chance to talk. If you’re doing most of the talking, it’s likely that the conversation will fizzle out quickly. Be negative. Nobody wants to talk to someone who’s constantly complaining or being negative. Try to focus on the positive and keep the conversation light. Bring up controversial topics. Politics, religion, and other hot-button issues can be tough to talk about without offending someone. Unless you know the other person well and are sure they’re open to discussing these topics, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
To conclude.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to have more interesting and engaging conversations with everyone you talk to. So put them into practice the next time you’re in a conversation, and see how it makes a difference.
Do you have any conversation tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!
