Saturday 21 July 2012

How To Relax To Increase Your Chances Of Conversation Success

How can you improve conversation success so that you will easily start talking with others? How can you break free from inhibition and quickly gain self-assurance in any scenario in just 30 minutes a day?

Some people make this seem so easy. They seem relaxed and comfortable and have an easy conversation style while others seem awkward and hesitant. Relating through others is a great way to build self-assurance. Follow these ideas for being a good conversationalist and you will never feel shy and awkward again:

Tip 1: Look for opportunities to get into a conversation with people. Every day you interact with people in all sorts of ways. Think about the espresso you bought on the way to work and while you were waiting for it, did you ask the waiter how they were? What about the last time you bought something from the supermarket; how about while you were waiting for the bus or the lift. And don't forget about your coworkers at the water cooler. The more you take these opportunities to start conversations the easier it becomes.

Tip 2: Be friendly. Simply welcoming everyone with a smile while looking straight at them will create a chance to start a conversation. Typical conversation starters for these introductory conversations focus on topics such as how folks are feeling, the weather, perhaps the biggest sporting occasions.

Tip 3: Be well informed about latest news and sporting events. These can be great ice-breakers. Follow through on a great smile with a great first line like "Did you see the game on the weekend? How about that then?" If you keep up with what is taking place in the world, not only will you be able start great conversations but you will also be able to be guided by other folk and you will also be able to take part with ease.

Tip 4: Maintain focus. Keeping focussed on the other person through good eye contact shows the other person you are really interested in what they are saying. Turning your body towards them, nodding and making small noises are all ways to show your focus. It is rude to look around the room or away from the individual whilst they are talking to you.

Tip 5: Give and take. Conversation success is based on what both people get out of it. This means growing your listening skills and pacing yourself.

Tip 6: Don't rush. Just wait until the person pauses and then ask questions about what the person is saying.

Tip 7: Don't jump in. A natural pause will open up.

Tip 8 : Don't monopolize the conversation by talking too much about yourself. So when you hear another thing that you know a lot about, don't over-power the other person. You will know if you are doing this too much as you will soon find yourself alone. Anyway, its fascinating to hear what others have to say. And you never know you might find out a whole lot you never knew until now.

Tip 9: Rehearse and practice. The more you rehearse the better you become at social situations. If you are about to go to a gathering, it pays to get ready. Take 30 minutes or so to acquaint yourself with the up to date topics of interest in the news. A note of caution. It pays to stick to light, appealing topics which are not contentious. The more topics you have in your back pocket the more likely you are to be able to find common ground with the people around you.

If you are unsure or lacking in confidence, these tips for conversation success will put you on the road to building a wonderful circle of friends. The old maxim it won't happen right away but it will happen is true. When you are out and about or at social gatherings, get into having fun by interacting with others and soon you'll look back and wonder what held you back so long. Most of all - have fun!

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