Simple Ways to Keep a Conversation Going

Keeping a Conversation Going can be a Challenge

Humans spend a significant time of their lives conversing and interacting with each other. It helps us learn and develop to become productive members of Society. However, while basic skills for interaction are of crucial importance every time, there are also instances when there is a need for better speaking skills. This includes keeping a conversation going, as this kind of skill allows us to build trust with one another. This is not easy though especially when talking to someone new. Constraints in time, energy, and even familiarity with one another could prove to be a hindrance to keeping the conversation going for a longer period of time. In the next section of this article, six useful tips to keep a conversation going would be discussed in greater detail. 1. Ask Questions There’s nothing more effective to keep a conversation going, than to ask a question. In most cases, the interaction between individuals are cut short with the lack of reason to hold a conversation with one another. By asking questions, you’re stimulating the one you’re speaking with to find topics that both of you are interested in. This becomes the reason for conversing with one another. Take note, however, that it is important to be mindful of the person that you are talking to. Some questions might be a sensitive topic to talk about. Some example of this are past memories of a loved one who passed away, boastful remarks, and any other topics that would make the other person uncomfortable. 2. Listen Actively and Intently Listening actively and intently is another critical aspect to keep a conversation going. Humans possess the innate desire to be heard about their own opinions. In line with this, it only makes sense to keep listening to them diligently and sincerely. This would make the other person feel that he is important and that his opinions matter to you. In turn, this would also stimulate him to become more open and conversant. Aside from this, listening to others actively is also another way to learn more about life. In other words, this would not only ensure a longer conversation but also a beneficial takeaway on your part. 3. Improve Non-verbal Abilities It is well-known among all of us that non-verbal abilities are critical in the speaking with other people. This allows you to complement what you are saying and possibly reach your audiences in a much deeper manner. However, there are also times when we forget how important this is and take it for granted. Some non-verbal cues such as frowning, crossing your arms, and looking away from the other speaker often are just some of the cues that are guaranteed to cut the conversation short. These make the other person think that you are not open to conversing with them in the first place. 4. Ask Open Ended Questions Asking questions that are answerable by only ‘yes’ or ‘no’, is one of the ways to kill the conversation. It does not give any room for the speaker to reflect deeply of your question. Moreover, asking close-ended questions is like interviewing them, which is another way to cut the conversation short. Asking open ended questions also shows others that you are interested and putting effort in the conversation. This would prompt them to do the same. 5. Apply your General Knowledge Most people want to talk with someone who knows about the things that are happening around them. This gives both you and them more topics to talk about, as well as the desire to learn more about the opinions of others. In line with this, it is essential to learn more about the outside world in order to make sure that conversation is interesting. Only after this, can you talk about all kinds of topics under the sun such as politics in Ghana, custom essay writing service, and even levels of poverty in Asia. Conversing in all these topics is made possible, by having an up to date knowledge of the world around you. 6. Teach As stated previously, knowing about the world around us is one good way of coming up with conversation topics However, in some cases, it would also be best to impart this so-called knowledge to the one you are speaking with. Take note that this must be done through short-comments during the conversation and not like teaching someone in the classroom. This should also not be intended to boast or to demean the other person. Rather, teach them in a way that would not offend them and with the intent of imparting knowledge, or correcting some misconceptions that they might have. Summary: These are just some of the methods that could help in keeping the conversation going. Of course, just like any other skills, doing this would take some time to come naturally. However, this skill should prove to be helpful in developing both your personal life and your career. Thus, if you want to become better at communicating with others, these skills should help you in doing so.