A conversation can start easily enough. You can ask someone how the weather is, how they know the host, or what they like to do for fun, which are all socially acceptable opening statements. But how do you keep a conversation going once it starts? It becomes a little bit trickier at that point. In order to avoid awkward silences in the middle of conversations in the future, here are five expert tips and tricks.
It’s typical for conversations with new people to start off awkwardly. If you can help them get past those hiccups, you might be able to start a lovely relationship.
Say Whatever Is On Your Mind
This technique is sometimes called “blurting” and is the opposite of overthinking. When trying to come up with a response, say the first thing that comes to mind (unless it’s offensive).
Make an effort to not be concerned with sounding witty or clever. When people are conversing, you’ll notice that the majority of what they say is fairly routine, but that’s okay.
Not everything should be said out loud. But doing it as a workout for a while can help you stop overthinking.
Be Socially BOLD
Being socially bold is one of the most vital people skills you can develop. Bold people start new conversations without hesitation, confidently bring up new topics, and doubt themselves less.
You’ll notice a bigger shift in your perspective the more you practice being courageous. It’s a positive feedback loop, a confidence flywheel that increases in speed as you practice.
Look Around You For Inspiration
Couple a statement of fact with a query. For example, if you are talking to someone at a wedding, you could say, “A wedding ceremony would be so lovely in this location! Exactly how do you know the couple?”
A conversation can start in even the most unassuming setting. Consider the scenario where you are waiting for a meeting to begin in a dull, white conference room.
You could say, “Conference rooms could occasionally be a little friendlier, in my opinion. If I had the option, I’d place a sofa there [points] and perhaps a nice coffee maker; it could actually be a cool space!” This might spark a conversation about furniture, coffee, interior decor, or workspaces in general.
Avoid Coming On Too Strong
When someone is overly eager to speak, they come across as somewhat needy. People are consequently more hesitant to converse with them. I was once a perpetrator of this error. You don’t want to appear distant or lean too far in the other direction.
Try to be proactive (as we’ve discussed in this guide), but take your time. There is no need to bombard a conversation partner at work or someone you will encounter frequently with questions. Over the upcoming days and weeks, you can get to know someone and share details about yourself.
Pose Open-ended Queries
Engaging the other person in the conversation is one way to keep the conversation going. And answering her open-ended questions is the most effective way to accomplish this. These are the kinds of questions that could potentially have much richer answers than simple “yes” or “no” responses. such as “What do you think about this event?”‘ instead of ‘This event, do you like it?’ These kinds of inquiries can be a lifesaver in stalling conversations because they encourage people to speak.
Let the Other Person Break the Silence
Silences during a conversation are generally unwelcome. When one occurs, they try to fill it as soon as possible by saying something. This can be used to maintain a conversation. Don’t leave a conversation with someone at a party where you’ve just met them if it’s getting stale and go look for the peanuts or something similar. Instead, persevere and allow the silence to benefit you. Usually, the other party will start talking again and break the awkward silence.
Avoid Asking Too Many Questions In A Row
For your convenience, I’ve created a list of the questions listed above. You want to have a conversation with the other person, not conduct an interview with them. Talk about pertinent aspects of yourself in between these questions. It’s possible for the conversation to veer off course and go in any direction.
Prepare Topics In Advance
You can prepare some conversation topics and questions in advance if you are going to a social event and know who will be there.
There is a good chance that you will meet doctors, for instance, if you attend a friend’s party and know that they have invited many of their former medical school friends. You might have some prepared questions about what it’s like to work as a doctor, why they chose their profession, and what they value most about it.
Conclusion
Not everyone is good at having conversations, and that’s okay. Ultimately, when conversing with someone, whether they are a new friend or an old friend, showing that you are actively listening, asking nonjudgmental and open questions, and just being kind and forthcoming will never go wrong. To improve your communication skills, try practicing with close friends and family. And if in doubt, a compliment never hurts.