Effective Communication

How To Start A Good Conversation In 6 Easy Ways

Good conversation is an important skill in almost everysituation. Whether it's on the job, with spouse orchildren, in a social setting or everyday life, goodconversation is important.The way we communicate determines how we are seen or perceived by others.

Good conversation is based on a sensitivity to others and thankfully it is a learnable skill once you pay more attention to others.Developing good conversation skills will allow you to feelmore at ease when conversing with others and will help you say what you really want to convey.

• Adopt a pleasing voice toneThink about your tone, for good conversation it should bepleasing, not too loud or too soft.If you are talking too loudly you might be considered anunpleasant conversationalist and who will want to talk toyou? Good conversation requires you to be agreeable.If you are speaking too softly and people have to strain tohear you, they might get tired of trying to listen. This will of course prevent a good conversation developing.
• Prepare thoroughly before the eventConsider some things you might need or want to say before you are at that job interview or party if you want to ensure a good conversation.It will be helpful to think this through and even practiceout loud. You will come across as being confident andintelligent.You can almost guarantee good conversation by preparing thoroughly in advance of the event.
• Remember to listen as well as talkDon't feel you need to dominate in order to have a goodconversation.Even if you are quite charming it won't be long before others are weary of hearing the same voice. Good conversation does not mean taking over the conversation!Keep this in mind and it will be easier to have a good conversation
• Know how to handle resistanceHow will you handle unpleasant conversations? Remember not all conversations start off looking like a potential good conversation.What will you do if you are criticized or if someonedisagrees with you? Think of ways to face these situations before they happen.To have a good conversation you need to be flexible andbe ready to handle difficulties that crop up. The art of having good conversation does not mean everything goes smoothly at all times.If you can remain calm and fairly pleasant during the toughtalks you will improve and acquire good conversation skills. You will also earn a reputation as someone who can easily be talked to.
• Keep learning and improve over timeThink of your last embarrassing conversation, one that was the opposite of a good conversation.How did you do? Could there be improvement? If the answeris "yes" begin by figuring out why the conversation was embarrassing. This will help you to develop good conversation skills.Let's say someone asked you when you are planning to havechildren. Even though this may not be anyone's business howdo you want to respond?You do have choices. You can be funny, charming, rude orelusive. Again, plan ahead for some of these questions anddecide how you want to react.As you learn how to start a good conversation and find themmore of the time you can have good conversation your confidence will soar and you will get better and better.
• Cultivate great listening skillsOne of the most important parts of good conversation islistening. It's a gift and a skill, one that you can develop if it doesn't come easily for you. Good conversationis impossible without good listening skills.

Don't forget to listen because it is essential for goodconversation skills! Neglect this key skill and it will bevirtually impossible to have a good conversation.

posted by Indira Bandari @ 8:39 PM