#communication #conversation #questioning #listen #interpersonal #skills
If you want to be a better conversationalist, ask questions. 🤔
Such a simple idea, but it’s incredible how bad people are at this. Do you ever find yourself struggling to keep a conversation going? Are you always searching for something clever or interesting to say, only to end up feeling awkward or tongue-tied? Many of us face this dilemma, but fear not – the solution is simpler than you think. The key to becoming a great conversationalist lies in asking questions! 🗣💬
The Problem:
Many individuals lack the skills needed to engage in meaningful conversations. They may feel anxious, unsure, or simply lack the confidence to keep a conversation flowing naturally.
The Solution:
1. Really Listen:
- Focus on what the other person is saying without thinking about your response.
- Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
2. Ask Follow-Up Questions:
- Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversation.
- Ask for more details or clarification to show you are engaged.
3. Share Your Experiences:
- Relate to the other person by sharing your own stories or experiences.
- Find common ground to build a stronger connection.
Remember, the goal of asking questions is not just to keep the conversation going, but to show that you are genuinely interested in the other person. By following these simple steps, you can become a more engaging conversationalist and forge stronger connections with those around you. 🌟
In the words of Dale Carnegie, author of How To Win Friends and Influence People, “To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other persons will enjoy answering. Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.” Take this wisdom to heart and watch your conversational skills soar!
Not just any question. Ask open-ended questions. Though I’m working on this myself. I realise conversations with me grow stale cos the questions I ask usually lead to a dead end
People very rarely ask questions in a conversation. They don’t care what you are up to. Instead they just talk about themselves. “Blah blah me me blah blah.”
There is a person I met who would ask me a question when really she wanted to give me her answer. It took me hours to figure out after each time she’d done it because I thought we were having a conversation but later had an empty feeling around it. Antsy good luck with the questions.
I do this and get told I ask too many questions lol
And after you ask a question, listen to them for their ‘hot buttons’ and the things you have in common.
If she share an opinion you agree with, or something about themselves that’s true for you, say ‘me too’ – we like people who are similar to us, so highlighting similarities help strengthen your bond with the person.
With regard to hot buttons – those are the things they get really excited about in conversation – this is the stuff you want to ask follow up questions about as these are likely the things the person will enjoy talking about.
Adding on to the above, casual conversations don’t need to last a long time. Keep them brief. Bring someone else into the conversation then move along.