Making Better Conversation

Below are some tips for starting conversations and keeping them going. Conversations can build rapport and open doors to social and professional opportunities. Conversational skills are useful for meetings, networking, and staying social. Prepare conversation for meeting new people, standing in lines, and table talk. Develop your skills with the tips below and resources that follow.

Tips
Common - discuss shared experiences like movies, music or TV's that are enjoyed in common.
Listening - listen more than you talk to show interest and respond more naturally.
Preparation - practice with family/friends; prepare questions in advance to start conversations.
Questions - ask open ended questions to keep conversation flowing (e.g. ask favorite things).
Topics - use neutral topics like news, travel, or weather; avoid personal, politics, religion.
Compliments - offer compliments about clothes, hairstyle, shoes, etc.


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