7 ways to have a better conversation
Have you ever stepped onto an elevator and you make eye contact with the people in it, and you do the awkward head nod? Or have you ever carpooled with a few acquaintances? Or, have you ever been introduced to a group of people by a close friend of yours and you’re just standing there… stuck?
Not knowing what to say or talk about can also affect you in social situations, which can make you seem tense and awkward. We have created a list with ways in which you can have better conversations…
- Greet
A good start to any conversation would be to greet the person you’re conversing with. Good manners can also make the conversation a lot more comfortable.
- Listen
An important part of having a conversation is to listen to what the other person is saying. If you’re too focussed on what you should say during the conversation, you’ll miss opportunities to follow up on good talking points.
- Express yourself
People can identify insincerity pretty well, and if you’re covering up or avoiding questions, they’ll feel less likely to confide in you.
- No judging
Irrespective of who you are talking to – a friend, relative or stranger, if you come across as judgemental, they’ll also feel less likely to confide in you.
- Obvious cues
When you’re amongst a group of people that you may not know that well, they will reveal bits and pieces of themselves. Additionally, looking at the logos on their clothing or the topics they talk about can be easy cues to use to jump into the conversation.
- News
Getting into a serious political conversation seems a bit much when you’re conversing with a stranger but there are plenty of other things on the news that you could use as a conversation starter. Always stay on top of the news and the various trends and entertainment in the media. They will definitely come in handy!
- Cautious
Try not to make jokes that will be perceived as insensitive. Remain cautious and if the conversation gets too intense, quieten down.
The best practice is to practice on strangers. The next time you’re in a tiny space with people, try greeting them and asking them how their day is going, it may even put a smile on their face.
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I mean I like the idea of becoming a good conversationalist but I don’t think I can just randomly start a conversation with a stranger, I’m too antisocial for that.