Be a better conversationalist

Our conversations have become a part of our everyday activities.  Through conversation, we also reveal a little bit about who we are.  When a person walks away from a conversation, he or she has increased their knowledge about the other person.  It has become important for us to now create that positive image through our different conversations.



Enjoy and learn from a good conversation!

There are several tips and techniques that we can consciously and subconsciously apply to increase our mingling proficiency.  Remember that conversations aren’t only building blocks of relationships.  It can also be a platform of presenting who we are in a casual manner.  Here are some ways of improving our conversational skills:

1.  Establish an open and positive body language.  Smile, establish the right amount of eye contact (don't stare intensely at the person) and use hand gestures to emphasize points.


2.  Remember the names of the people that you talk to.  Use them several times in the conversation so that you  can remember their names better.


3.  Choose light, easy and positive topics to start conversations.  Avoid controversial issues like politics or religion as a starter as this might raise a debate or argument.  Topics like mutual friends, a new TV show or movie or perhaps a hobby or sport are good conversation starters.

Be sensitive of the other person's feelings.

4.  Speak clearly and be conscious of your volume level.  If you're in a crowded place, speak loud enough to make sure they hear you clearly but not too loud that the three people next to you can hear your entire story.


5.  Be polite and speak positively.  Remember, the words that come out of your mouth defines who you are.  According to Dale Carnegie, "Never criticize, condemn or complain."