How to Have More Meaningful and Enjoyable Conversations

First Things First, Be Approachable

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Lots of people who want to improve in conversation focus on the “verbal” aspect – what to say it, how to say it, and how to act when talking to others. However, what’s more important is not what you say, but WHAT you are in front of others. Do you radiate warmth? Or do people sense they are with an angry tiger whenever you’re around? Are you uncomfortable with yourself? Because if you are uncomfy, people will also feel uncomfortable to talk to you. So be approachable. This is a challenge for many of us. But you have to open yourself up to people and don’t be aloof.

Encourage Others To Talk, And You Earn The Right To Talk

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Some people have a perfect definition of the word ‘conversation’: “A conversation is the peak moment wherein I talk endlessly and everybody listens”. Unfortunately, this is not the case in real life conversations. We can’t stress enough that conversation is a two way street. After you’ve done your share of telling stories or a long set of opinions, you must be generous enough to ask the other individual to talk and elaborate as well. Be fair and ‘pass the ball’.

When You’re Listening, Stop Thinking What You’re Gonna Say Next

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Have you ever talked to someone who appeared SO interested in what you were saying, nodded again and again as you expressed yourself, and even gave out a warm smile as you finished your story? Then to your disappointment, that person replied back with a statement which was so unrelated to what you previously said! Annoying isn’t it? This person wasn’t really listening to you, rather, he/she was thinking what to say next and failed to pay attention to the meaning of your words. What’s the lesson? When you listen, really listen and stop thinking what to say next.

Make Straight Eye Contact, Don’t Be Shifty Eyed

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Don’t look at umpteen different directions when you’re talking to someone. You’re only giving the impression to others that you are dishonest and doesn’t mean what you say. Look the person straight in the eye as you talk and listen! But there’s an extreme side to this as well. Never look at people as if you’re Dracula and you’re about to eat them. Decent eye contact is the appropriate term. And boys, when talking to females, let us not look at other body parts.

There are many ways by which you can improve in conversation. Only you can discover them for yourself as you enter and improve in the world of meaningful conversations.