Communication is a vital aspect of life as it enables us to connect and build relationships with others. But sometimes, maintaining a conversation can be difficult, especially if we don't know the person or have little in common. It can also be challenging to keep the conversation flowing, particularly if we're prone to awkward silences or talking over each other. That's why we've put together some tips on how to keep a conversation flowing smoothly without sounding forced. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, these tricks will come in handy for all kinds of social situations.
1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
The first rule of keeping a conversation going is to ask open-ended questions. These types of questions lead to more thoughtful answers and encourage people to talk more about themselves. For instance, instead of asking "What do you do for a living?" try asking "What inspired you to pursue your career, and how did you get to where you are now?" Such questions stimulate deeper conversations and make the other person feel seen and heard.
2. Listen More Than You Speak
Another trick to keep the conversation flowing is to listen more than you speak. Many people make the mistake of dominating the conversation, which can make the other person feel uncomfortable or disinterested. So take a back seat, listen attentively to what the other person is saying, and respond accordingly. This shows that you value their opinion and are interested in what they have to say.
3. Share Relatable Stories
When we're trying to connect with someone, it's essential to share relatable stories. Such stories create rapport and help establish common ground. However, the key is to ensure that the stories are relevant to the topic at hand and don't end up dominating the conversation. Briefly share your experiences, then ask the other person about theirs to keep the conversation going.
4. Use Humor
Nothing makes people feel more comfortable than humor. It's a great way to lighten the mood and inject some fun into the conversation. Just make sure you're not using humor to bully or ridicule the other person. Instead, use funny anecdotes, witty observations or self-deprecating jokes to put everyone at ease.
5. Be Prepared with Conversation Starters
Last but not least, it's always helpful to be prepared with conversation starters. This doesn't mean that you should memorize a script or come off as rehearsed. Instead, have a few topics in mind that you can bring up if the conversation lulls. For instance, you could talk about movies, music, current events, or travel. This helps to keep the conversation flowing and prevents it from becoming stilted.
Engaging in a smooth conversation is all about creating a connection with the other person. These tips can help to keep the conversation flowing without sounding forced, so you can connect with new people and build stronger relationships. Remember to stay present, listen attentively, ask open-ended questions, share relatable stories, and use humor where appropriate. With these tricks, you can transform a dull conversation into an engaging one and leave a lasting impression.
1 comment
Adelle
November 24, 2023I learned a really good tip from my therapist, if you can’t think of anything to say, don’t be afraid to continue talking about a prior subject from the conversation and bounce around different topics. It seems weird at first but sounds more natural than you’d think!