How to start a conversation with a stranger: 10) Maintain the equilibrium. As the person who started the conversation, the responsibility initially rests with you to maintain the momentum. So what happens when the other person starts practicing active listening and open questions back on you? You have several options: Relish it as their cue to let you start talking about yourself. Just dont overdo it; remember to keep engaging them back with open questions and active listening at the end of your own recounting. Deflect it if youd rather not be the center of conversation attention. Say something like: Well, I like Harry Potter books, and I especially loved the last one. But you dont want to hear about me all night! What were your favorite moments in the Harry Potter series? Answer questions with a question. For example, How did you manage to get away so early? could be responded to with, Well, how did you? Often the other person will be so intent on filling you in on their side of the story that theyll forget they asked you the question first! 11) Practice getting conversations started. You may feel a little clumsy at first, but with practice it can become easy to start good conversations. Every time youre in a situation where youre called upon to converse with others, see it as part of your ongoing practice, and note how youre improving each time that you try it.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:31:49 +0000