The Art of Confident Conversation

Did you know that the second greatest social fear people have is the fear of starting and carrying on a conversation with someone they don't know. The greatest social fear is speaking in public. Why are we afraid to speak with people we don't know? Perhaps it stems from being told as children never to speak with strangers. Or that silence is golden or that children are to be seen and not heard. Whatever the reason it remains a significant social fear for many of us. And one that we find difficult to overcome.

Improving Your Conversation Skills

When I first started speaking for a living I had great difficulty with one-on-one conversation with members of my audience.. I could speak before 2500 people and enjoy every minute of it but when I was expected to mix and mingle and make small talk my tongue became all thumbs. I realized that my conversation skills needed work, and set out to improve them. I researched the topic thoroughly and applied what I had learned to my own life. My efforts paid off for I now can talk about anything with anyone for any length of time. Let me share with you what I learned about the art of conversation.

How to Improve Your Conversation skills

* There are three fundamental principles upon which good conversation is based.

1. It is better to be interested than interesting

2. There is nothing as flattering as the undivided attention of another human being.

3. People long to talk about their favourite topic which is " themselves." Keep these in mind and you can't fail in becoming a great conversationalist.
* Assume the responsibility for starting and maintaining the conversation.
* You can begin with a friendly " Hi, I'm Mike and I'm from_________." Usually the response is " Hello, Mike I am ____________ and I'm from___________. (Away you go.)
* Use the person's name throughout the conversation. It shows that you're interested in and focussed on the other.
* Let the other be the centre of attention.
* Show a genuine interest in the one you're speaking with. Maintain eye contact.
* Ask questions that require more than a one word answer.
* When you ask a question listen attentively to the answer and be quick to ask another question arising from the answer to the first.
* Put the other at ease by smiling and nodding frequently throughout the conversation.
* Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
* Don't feel the need to disagree until you get to know the person better. nnnn