How to Become a Better Conversationalist

Be an attentive listener and don't dominate the conversation.

Some people are naturally more gregarious than others, however, one does not have to be an extrovert to be a good conversationalist. It is possible to improve your conversational skills by following a few simple guidelines. One simple tip is to pay attention and show respect for the person with whom you are conversing. A conversation is not a monologue; a conversation is a dialogue between two or more people. A good conversationalist is someone who interacts with and responds to dynamics of the conversation rather than simply speaking for the sake of being heard.

Instructions

1. Make eye contact during the conversation. Eye contact with your conversational partner shows that you are interested and engaged in the conversation. It also helps you to follow and interact in the conversation more successfully. The meaning in a conversation is conveyed non-verbally as well as verbally. Paying attention to the person you are speaking with helps you to understand when they are having difficulty following your train of thought.

2. Don't dominate the conversation. Pay close attention to the other person when she is speaking and allow her to finish her thought. Avoid interrupting or finishing her sentences or thoughts.

3. Speak clearly and audibly and at a good pace. A conversation can be annoying or irritating when a person is difficult to understand because she are mumbling, speaking too quickly or speaking to slowly.

4. Don't pretend you know what you are talking about if you are unfamiliar with the conversation topic. Set your ego aside and take the opportunity to learn about the topic. Being a good conversationalist does not mean that you have to talk all the time. Ask insightful questions that show you are interested in the topic and would like to learn more about it.

5. Keep a daily journal, an exercise that is similar to holding a conversation with yourself. It's a way to digest and reflect on the different experiences and elements that make up your day. A good conversationalist usually has interesting things to say because she thinks about and reflects on her experiences as well as about world events, books she's reading, music she's listening to and so forth.

References

• Life Optimizer: 7 Ways To Improve Your Conversational Skills