It feels extremely awkward and embarrassing to be in a conversation and suddenly not know what to say. In this article are six laws that will help you always know what to say keep a conversation going so you never face an awkward silence again.
It feels extremely awkward and embarrassing to be in a conversation and suddenly not know what to say. You try to think of things to say to keep the conversation going, but your mind is blank. In this article are six laws that will help you always know what to say keep a conversation going so you never face an awkward silence again.
PREPARE
You don't have to say random or funny things. Simply gather an idea beforehand about what you want or need to say in most given situations. While this may seem difficult, given the fluid, impromptu nature of most conversation, remember it pays to think ahead. Brush up on current events and topics that the people you anticipate conversing with may be interested in. This is an easy way to keep a conversation moving, even if it requires changing the subject multiple times.
ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Use open-ended questions to keep momentum, and the conversation, rolling along. Nothing kills a conversation more quickly than a flat, dry statement of fact or a question that requires only a one-word answer. Pretend in your head that you are a journalist, trying to find out about the other person. Remember, most everyone enjoys talking about themselves, whether they admit it or not. Keep the questions rolling, and the conversation is sure follow.
OBSERVE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
One of the most crucial skills to master is the observation of the environment that you and your conversation partner share. Find some common element to talk about, something that could possibly relate to the both of you. You'll always have things to say to keep a conversation going when you observe your environment.
TUNE IN, NOT OUT
Because "hearing" and "listening" can be done passively, too many people treat this necessary conversation skill as a given, an unimportant exercise that requires little effort to do. This is wrong. Listening, when done correctly, should be an active exercise. Active listening skills are popular for a reason.
COMPLIMENTS
Find something about your conversation partner that you like, or that you may find particularly striking or flattering and compliment them on it. Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions such as "where did you get that shirt?" or "how do you like those shoes?" or something along those lines. Compliments are a great way of keeping the conversation because it not only paves the way for more talking, it endears you to your conversation partner.
DISCUSS THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN COMMON
Try to avoid subjects or topics that your conversation partner isn't familiar with. By keeping the conversation focused on the the things you and your partner share, it helps ensure both of you remain interested, and vested in keeping the conversation going forward.
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