A conversation is a good opportunity to bond with someone.
A good conversation is key to starting or maintaining all sorts of relationships, be it in the areas of friendship, romance or business. But stimulating conversations can last a short time as the two parties quickly run out of things to talk about and end up sitting in awkward silence. For those struggling to figure out keep that interesting conversation from running aground, there are a few methods you can implement to maximize your chances at connecting with another person.
Instructions
1. Talk about a shared experience or acquaintance. If you're meeting someone at a friend's birthday party, talk about how you know the person and some of your memories. Focus on the positives about the person or the event you're at; it's good to avoid being negative during a first encounter.
2. Don't talk about yourself, and stop talking when you get cues that the person is bored by what you are saying. Invite the other person to talk by asking questions and generally showing an interest in what that person has to say.
3. Ask open-ended questions to avoid getting "yes" or "no" answers. A question like "What keeps you busy?" allows a person to focus on something that drives him, be it his business, volunteer work or a hobby. This is much better than asking someone what he does for a living, which can derail the conversation when he gives you a quick answer.
4. Ask about publications she subscribes to, books she reads or websites she visits in her spare time. This allows her to expand on her interests and gives you an opportunity to share some of yours. Be curious and ask questions -- without being too probing. Provide some details of your own so it doesn't feel like an interrogation.
5. Keep the conversation short. Don't let it drag on; leave the person wanting more. If he enjoyed the conversation, however short it was, he may want to have another chat sometime down the road.
