Developing Conversational Skills

Developing Conversational Skills

Never ask a lady about her age and a gentleman about his earnings. Clichéd though it may sound, we often hear people commit such basic mistakes in their conversation. Making a perfect conversation is not an in-born but acquired skill. You have to work towards being a good conversationalist. You do not have to be very witty or articulate or a great storyteller to make an effective conversation. All you need to do is use your ears twice as much than your mouth and listen more than you talk. Above all, just be yourself, talk sincerely and listen attentively, and I am sure that you will be remembered as the ideal conversationalist.

To develop effective conversational skills there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Be a good listener without being in a hurry to talk. When someone is talking, listen sincerely rather than just nod your head and make a pretense of listening. Express your interest by nodding or smiling, without interrupting the conversation.

• Never make personal remarks about someone such as her dress or looks.

• Be very generous with phrases such as ‘thank you’, ‘excuse me’, ‘sorry’ etc.

• Whispering during a conversation is very rude. Do not fidget or look distracted while talking to someone or being talked to.

• A short pause during your conversation makes you more elegant.

• Rely on sincerity, clarity and intelligent choice of subjects for conversations.

• You could tell a small incident and make people laugh but a storyteller who constantly tries to be funny is generally a bore.

When someone walks away from your conversation feeling pleased with himself and his wits, he is definitely pleased with you. Believe in yourself and others will definitely believe in you.