How to Talk About Different Things
If you want to be the person that everyone wants to sit next to at dinner, become an interesting and attentive conversationalist. Discover ways to expand your knowledge base and listen for cues that will help you talk about different things and ensure you're never at a loss for words.
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Instructions
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Research the other guests before you head to a party by asking the host about their backgrounds, education, families or interests. If a topic is new to you, learn enough about it to ask educated questions or make small talk on the subject.
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Read the newspaper, magazines, fiction and non-fiction books, watch the nightly news and listen to the radio to keep up with local, national and world events. By expanding your knowledge base, you'll be able to contribute thoughtful comments on everything from historical figures to the latest celebrity in trouble with the law.
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Listen closely when you meet someone with an occupation, hobby, hometown or religious background that you're unfamiliar with. Even if you're not particularly interested in the different lures used in fly fishing, for example, the facts you hear may become an interesting tidbit you can use in future conversations.
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Ask questions if the group at a party is discussing things you're completely unfamiliar with. If you listen carefully to what they're saying, you'll also be able to tailor your question in a way that will fool the others into thinking you do know what they're talking about.
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Gain a variety of experiences so you'll have plenty to discuss if someone asks about your interests. Take classes through a local junior college or recreation center. Explore a new city and sample their regional cuisine. Play a new sport. Attend a film festival to discover new writers and directors.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't talk about controversial topics like religion or politics unless you know the other person well. You don't want to inadvertently offend them or start an argument with an off-hand comment or different point of view.
