Are you ever in the middle of talking to someone, and you suddenly realize that you have no idea what to say next? This can be an incredibly awkward and frustrating experience. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time or have been acquainted for a while, it can be nerve- wracking trying to keep a conversation going. The good news is that there are some things you can do to make it easier.
By being prepared and understanding how to keep the conversation flowing, you can make any conversation enjoyable. This chapter will give you ten tips on how to keep the conversation going. We will also provide some exercises at the end so you can put these tips into practice. A conversation is a two-way street, so the more effort you put into it, the more enjoyable it will be for both parties.
Tips to Keep the Conversation Going
1. Asking Open-Ended Questions
When you are getting to know someone, asking open-ended questions is a great way to keep the conversation going. These questions can not be answered with a simple yes or no, but require a bit more thought and usually result in a longer answer. Not only do open-ended questions encourage your conversation partner to share more about themselves, but they also allow you to learn more about them. The next time you struggle to find something to say, try asking one of these open-ended questions:
- What are you passionate about?
- What do you prefer to do in your leisure time?
- Tell me about your family/friends/pets.
- What has been the finest day of your life so far?
- What is your dream job?
- Where would you go if you could go anyplace in the world?
Asking open-ended questions is a great way to get to know someone, so the next time that you are struggling with something to say, give it a try!
2. Finding Common Ground
In any conversation, finding common ground with the person you are talking to is important. After all, we are all more likely to listen to and trust someone who seems to share our perspectives and experiences. However, finding common ground can be difficult, especially when talking to someone we do not know very well.
One way to overcome this challenge is to avoid making assumptions about the other person’s beliefs or feelings. Instead, actively listen to their point of view and be open to the possibility that you may not see eye to eye on everything.
For example, if you are talking to someone about the news and they do not feel the same way as you do about current events, do not get defensive or argue with them. Instead, try to understand their point of view and look for common ground. For example, you might say, “Even though we don’t agree on this issue, I can see why you feel that way.” or “It sounds like we both care about making a difference in the world.” Finding common ground is important to build rapport and keep the conversation going. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your conversations are productive and engaging.
3. Listening Intently
In any conversation, it is important to be an active listener. This means more than simply hearing the words that are being said; it means paying attention and taking the time to process and understand what is being communicated. When you are truly listening, you will be able to ask follow-up questions and provide insightful comments.
Active listening also involves nonverbal cues, such as making eye contact and nodding your head. By doing this, you show that you are engaged in the conversation and interested in what the other person says. The next time you speak with someone, make an effort to listen to what they are saying. You may be surprised by how much more you learn and how much more enjoyable the conversation becomes.
4. Being Genuinely Interested
A conversation is a two-way street. For a conversation to flow smoothly, both parties need to be equally invested in keeping the conversation going. One key way to do this is by being genuinely interested in what the other person has to say by actively listening to their words and responding in a way that shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
It can be easy to get caught up in our thoughts or allow our minds to wander when someone else is talking, but staying focused on the present moment is important. The more we can connect with others and show genuine interest in their lives, the richer and more rewarding our relationships will be.
5. Avoiding Awkward Silences
We have all been there, the conversation starts to lull, and suddenly we sit in awkward silence, not knowing what to say next. In social settings, this can be embarrassing. In business settings, it can be costly. The good news is that you can use a few simple strategies to avoid awkward silences and keep the conversation flowing.
First, try to ask open-ended questions that encourage your conversation partner to share more than just a yes or no answer. Second, be an active listener and make sure to give your partner your full attention. By showing that you are interested in what they have to say, you will encourage them to keep talking. Finally, try to steer clear of controversial topics or anything else that might make your conversation partner uncomfortable.
6. Being a Good Storyteller
Small talk can be tricky, but being a good storyteller can help you keep the conversation going and make a lasting impression. The key to being a good storyteller is to be an active listener. Pay attention to the cues people give you about what they are interested in, and then craft your story accordingly.
It is also crucial to be aware of your audience. Not everyone wants to hear war stories or raunchy jokes. Adjust your tone and content based on who you are talking to. Finally, do not be afraid to embellish a little bit. Well-placed exaggeration can make even the most ordinary story more interesting. So, the next time you are stuck trying to find something to say, remember, a good story is always worth telling.
7. Asking Follow-Up Questions
One way to keep the conversation flowing is to ask follow-up questions. Asking follow-up questions shows that you are interested in what the other person has to say and keeps the conversation going. For example, if someone mentions that they are training for a marathon, you could ask them how their training is going or if they have run any races recently.
Asking follow-up questions can also help you get to know someone better. For instance, if someone tells you that they have just moved to town, you could ask them where they moved from and why they decided to move. By asking follow-up questions, you can make sure that the conversation keeps going and that you get to know the other person better.
8. Making Observations
Have you ever been in a conversation where you felt like you were just going through the motions? We’ve all been there. It is not necessarily a bad thing; sometimes, we are just not feeling particularly chatty. But if you want to keep the conversation going and avoid awkward silences, there are a few things that you can do.
For starters, try making observations. This could be something as simple as commenting on the weather or noticing that somebody’s hair looks different. By observing, you are giving the other person a chance to elaborate on their day or thoughts. And who knows, they might have an interesting story to share. Next time you are in a conversation that is starting to drag, try making an observation. It might just keep things interesting.
9. Sharing Personal Stories
When we meet someone new, we usually ask the same questions: What’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do? While these questions may help us to get a basic understanding of who someone is, they do not always encourage further conversation. When we share personal stories, we open ourselves up to others and create an opportunity for deeper conversation.
To keep the conversation going, it can be helpful to share personal stories. For example, instead of simply asking someone where they are from, you might say, “I’m originally from Chicago. I moved here about five years ago.” This not only gives the other person a chance to share their own story but also builds a connection between you two. Next time you struggle to make small talk, try sharing a little about yourself. It just might make all the difference.
10. Ending on a Positive Note
When wrapping up a conversation, it is always best to end on a positive note. This will leave the person you are talking to with a good impression of you and make you feel good about yourself. There are a few different ways you can end a conversation on a positive note. One way is to thank the person for their time, showing that you appreciate their conversation and letting them know that you value their time. Another way to end on a good note is to say something positive about the conversation itself. For example, you might say something like, “That was interesting” or “I enjoyed hearing your perspective.” You can also say something positive about the person that you are talking to. For example, you might say, “You’re really funny,” or “You have a really interesting story.”
Regardless of how you end the conversation, make sure it is positive. This will leave a lasting impression on the other person and make you feel good about yourself.
Exercises to Practice
1. Going to a Party
You have been invited to a party and do not know anyone there. How do you keep the conversation going? Will you:
A. Stick to small talk and avoid getting too personal
B. Ask follow-up questions to get to know the other person better
C. Make observations to keep the conversation interesting
D. Share personal stories to build a connection
If you want to keep the conversation going, it is a good idea to ask follow-up questions and make observations. This will help you get to know the other person better and keep the conversation interesting. You can also share a personal story if you are unsure what to say. Just ensure that it is positive and does not make the other person uncomfortable.
2. Meeting Someone Online
You have come across someone’s profile on a dating website and are interested in getting to know them better. How do you keep the conversation going? Will you:
A. Ask them about their interests and hobbies
B. Tell them about your interests and hobbies
C. Find common ground to build a connection
D. Compliment them on their profile
It is a good idea to ask the other person about their interests and hobbies. This will help you to get to know them better and find common ground. You can also tell them about your interests and hobbies. Just make sure that you are not coming across as too self-centered. You can also complement the other person on their profile. This will show that you are interested in them and make them feel good about themselves.
3. Talking to a Coworker
You have been assigned to work on a project with someone you do not know very well. How do you keep the conversation going? Will you: A. Talk about the project to get to know each other better
B. Make small talk about your personal lives
C. Ask them questions about their work
D. Tell them about your work
It is a good idea to talk about the project to get to know each other better. You can also make small talk about your personal lives; just make sure that you aren’t getting too personal. You can also ask the other person questions about their work – a display that you are interested in them and their work. If you are unsure what to say, you can also tell them about your work.
Good conversation is like a game of catch; it requires two people to keep the ball in the air. When one person runs out of things to say, the other person needs to step in and keep the conversation going. This can be difficult, especially if you are not used to thinking on your feet. However, this chapter has listed a few simple strategies that you can use to keep the conversation flowing. With a little practice, you will be a master of conversation in no time.
