This post came out from The Straits Times (1 March 2016)
Title - 8 ways to be a good conversationalist
Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Increase your knowledge - Read up on fiction and current affairs. This allows you to understand different perspectives of the world and prepares you to contribute more to conversations.
2. Smile - A smile defuses tension, especially when the other party is feeling out of place. It also breaks the ice and paves the way for small talk.
3. Speak simply and clearly - Get straight to the point. A great conversationalist is someone who communicate ideas clearly and in a straightforward manner.
4. Maintain eye contact - This tells the other party you are paying attention and interested in what he or she is saying.
5. Listen attentively - This enables you to craft good responses and contribute to the conversation. When you really pay attention to what the other person has to say, it adds a level of depth and meaning to your conversation and allows you to connect with him or her in ways like never before.
6. Ask meaningful questions - This allows deeper conversations to take place. Asking context-related questions is a good way to start a conversation.
7. Give the other party some room - We all have our own psychological safety distance, and if anyone crosses this barrier, we go into defensive mode. It is safer to maintain an arm's length or more from the other party, and adjust this as the conversation progresses. When the other party feels comfortable that his or her space is not being invaded, he or she will become more relaxed.
8. Show genuine interest - Your body language can make or break a conversation. Be natural. Use a smile or friendly touch to show that you enjoy talking to the other person.
Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big
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