Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Start a Conversation
• Method 2 of 3: Keep the conversation going
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid Common Mistakes

The ability to keep up a conversation with anyone is a very useful skill. He can help you find new friends or meet a romantic partner. Its presence can also open up new career or business opportunities. People are naturally social creatures, but communication is not easy for everyone. However, it's never too late to learn how to interact with others!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Start a Conversation

1. 1 Relax first. If you are worried about the prospect of interacting with other people, you will likely have a hard time starting a conversation. Try to relax before plunging into a social situation. This way, you can smoothly start a conversation without getting confused in words.
   • Try some physical activity to relax. Meditate or do progressive muscle relaxation.
   • Find a quiet place to enjoy a relaxation ritual before a social event. This will help you get into the situation calmly and at ease. Or at least take a few slow and deep breaths.
2. 2 Watch your body language. Before you start a conversation with a person, make sure they don't mind chatting. You will not be able to talk to anyone if you approach people before they themselves want to. First, watch for signs that the person is ready to make contact. If he looks detached, wait for him to relax a little.
   • Pay attention to open body language. A person should not cover their torso, for example, crossing their arms. Those who want to talk will stand up straight with their hands at their sides.
   • Perhaps the person will catch your eye briefly, thereby showing that they are open to conversation. This is a good sign that you can approach him without fear of rejection.
3. 3 Start with a question. A question is a great way to start a conversation. He sets the tone for communication and demonstrates interest in the interlocutor. After introducing yourself, try asking something. It is better to ask open-ended questions, to which it is not enough to answer only "yes" or "no".
   • For example, if you are at a party, strike up a conversation by saying something like, "How do you know the host?"
   • If you're at a networking event, ask the person about their job. For example: "What exactly is your job?"
4. 4 Use your surroundings to strike up a conversation. Try to work with what is. If you are unsure what to ask or which topic to choose, comment on your surroundings. Look around and start a conversation based on this.
   • For example, you might say, “I love these wood floors. They seem to be transferring to another era. "
   • You can also invite the person to share their comments, which may encourage them to communicate. For example: “What do you think of this wallpaper? I've never seen anything like it. "

Method 2 of 3: Keep the conversation going

1. 1 Listen to the interlocutor. People are naturally drawn to those who listen to them. Everyone wants to feel important and heard, so if you want others to communicate with you, give them undivided attention. Be sure to always listen when someone takes the floor.
   • Once you enter into a conversation, try to follow the rule: "Listen first, then talk." Once you've set the tone for the conversation, allow the person to fully share their thoughts before inserting comments.
   • Show that you are listening by making eye contact and nodding occasionally. To express interest, you can also say something like "Mmm ...".
2. 2 Ask questions. Questions are a great way to keep the conversation going. If you thought there was a lull in the conversation, revive it with a couple of questions.
   • Try asking a question based on what you've heard. For example: “This is interesting. How does it feel to go to school in a metropolis? "
   • You can also bring up a new topic with a question. Think about what would be appropriate to mention in this situation. For example, if you are talking to a person at school, say something like, "What do you think about the chemistry exam?"
3. 3 Tell me something about yourself. It is unlikely that a person will want to communicate with you if you just bombard him with questions. People are uncomfortable talking to those who ask a lot about others but talk little about themselves. Be sure to share information about yourself so that others have a desire to communicate with you.
   • Try to alternate questions and stories about yourself. For example, ask the person if they like the book they are reading. After he shares his thoughts, tell us what you recently read.
   • Also, be prepared to answer any questions that are asked in return. If the other person thinks that you are hiding something, he may become nervous and lose the desire to talk to you.
4. 4 Change themes as needed. Pay attention to whether the person is comfortable discussing a particular topic. He may become nervous if you bring up a certain issue and will shut up. Or perhaps the discussion will simply exhaust itself. If you're both struggling to think of something else to say about the matter, find a new topic.
   • Better to go to a related question. For example, if you were discussing books, shift the focus of the conversation to films.
   • If you can't think of anything related to the previous topic, it's okay to switch to another area. Return to general questions such as "What do you work for?" - or: "Where did you grow up?"
5. 5 Mention current events. This is a great way to keep the conversation going. If you are aware of what is happening in the world, it will be easy for you to communicate with anyone. Through awareness, you will be able to have conversations about the things that are occupying the thoughts of others at the moment.
   • It is not necessary to bring up serious current events, especially if it could cause discomfort to the interlocutor. To stay in neutral territory, mention a new hit movie, a celebrity scandal, or a hit song.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid Common Mistakes

1. 1 Don't try to surpass other people. Sometimes, without realizing it, we unintentionally overshadow the interlocutor when communicating. Anxiety is often to blame. Sometimes, in an attempt to support the topic, we tell things against which the story of the interlocutor seems less meaningful and important. For example, if a person told about how he went on a weekend to a village located a few kilometers from the city, you should not think about how you traveled around Europe for a month after graduating from university. This can pass for bragging.
   • Try to share stories of equal value. For example, if the person mentions a modest vacation, share a similar experience. For example, about how you spent your holidays with your grandmother in the village as a child.
2. 2 Don't make assumptions about the other person. When entering a conversation, treat each person you are talking to like a blank sheet of paper. Don't assume the person will agree with you or share your values. People tend to assume that those with whom they interact have similar values ​​and beliefs, but this is often not the case. When communicating, remember: you do not know how this person relates to this topic.
   • Sometimes it's nice to argue, and if a person seems open to this idea, then it is quite possible to share your beliefs. However, by no means start a topic with a guess. For example, when commenting on the recent elections, don't say, "It was such a disappointment, was it?"
   • It is better to bring up this topic in such a way as to induce the interlocutor to express their opinion. For example: "What do you think about the recent elections?"
3. 3 Refrain from judgment. People do not like to enter into conversations with those who condemn them. In any conversation, remind yourself that you are trying to get to know the other person. You are not here to judge or speculate. Do not analyze his words, but listen carefully to them. This will give you less time to judge and make people more comfortable sharing information with you.
4. 4 Never lose touch with the present. It is very easy to let your mind wander during a conversation. Don't do that. If you look distracted, others will not want to communicate with you. Be present in the present and do not think about what you are going to say after the interlocutor's speech, and also do not read in the clouds.
   • If you find it difficult to maintain concentration, make some physical movement to bring your senses back to the present moment. For example, wiggle your toes.