Improve your conversation, Dr. Descomplica

So, do you like to meet new people? Do you like to talk, or are you shy? Whatever your answers, this short text may help you improve your conversations skills.

1. Have some topics ready to start a conversation
Say something about the weather or the place you’re in. Talk about the weekend. You can also talk about a piece of news you read on a newspaper or saw on TV.

2. Be a good listener
Keep eye contact and say, “yes”, “hmm”, “uh-huh”, “right”, and “I know”. And say “Really? That’s interesting”. If you do this people know that you are listening to them and interested in the conversation.

3. Don’t be boring
Avoid saying only “yes” or “no” when you answer a question. Give some interesting information, too.

4. Don’t talk all the time
Ask, “how about you?” and show you are interested in the other person, too. People love to talk about themselves.

5. Be positive
Negative comments can sound rude. And if you don’t want to answer a personal question, simply say, “oh, I’m not sure I can answer that”, or “I’d rather not say.”

6. Smile!
Everyone loves a smile. Just be relaxed, smile, and be yourself.