5 Simple Ways to Have Better Conversations!

 

Do you believe there may be room for some improvement in your conversational skills? Perhaps you could use some new conversation starters. Or need something to fill the really awkward silences with? It happens to the best of us. Being a great at having conversations is a mix of mindset & methods. The good news is - you can fake it till you make it. In this article, I will be mentioning all the keys to have better quality conversations with anyone and everyone. Here are some of the best tricks I’ve picked up –

  

Listen Really Well - Stephen Covey had once said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” This is very true in today’s day and age. When someone is speaking, try to hang on their every word as if they were going to reveal the secrets to real happiness. You’d listen intently to that, right? Really grasp what they’re saying. Don’t just listen because you need to reply.

  

Talk being considerate of the Listener - All day long we mix and have to talk with several people - from kids to the colleagues, spouses, neighbours. Always keep in mind your audience’s point of view, what they care about & what they know. Meet them where they are, speak in terms of what they would all understand and respond to them accordingly. Consideration is key.

  

Open Ended Questions Help – It often happens that getting the next person to open up is the spark you need to get momentum of the conversation going. Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered with yes or no. Ask bigger & more interesting questions. These are the questions that usually form a story which makes listening fun. Ask questions on the lines of How? Why? What do you think about...?

 

Stories make Conversations Memorable - Telling a good story is a lost art in the generation of emojis. If you want to have people not just remember you but also the points you put out, make sure you share a good story. Remember, every good story has the good background along with build-up, emotions, and a worthwhile end. You will know you’ve done it right when they are hanging on your every word.

 

Never give unsolicited advice - Our lives don’t have a shortage of problems, big and small. Often, our problems make for reliable content for our conversations. It’s an opportunity to dirge, complain or even just vent. If you are ever on the receiving end of such weeping, know it is not your job to solve their issues. Don’t offer any advice unless directly asked. The solution to their problem may be something other than the one you have to offer. Make sure you dish out advice unsolicited.