Humans cannot survive without conversation. It is the verbal give and take that fuels human communication and facilitates the way we react to each other. Without conversation, it would be difficult to know what the people in your life want, and it would be difficult to tell them what you want in return.
Conversation is more than talking though. It is about saying the right things in response to what the other person is saying, and even reading off their visual and emotional cues. It means knowing how to make your whole body speak to whomever you are talking to.
Conversation is not just with one person; in interviews and presentations and at work, it means communicating with a large group of people. Your body language at an interview could be the difference between a warm reception and being perceived as off-putting by your potential employers. There are a few things that will make you a better conversationalist.
First, you should intentionally make yourself interesting to talk to. I know this seems like a tall order, but all it involves is being knowledgeable about the world around you and being genuinely interested in other people. Nobody wants to talk to someone who only says “yes” and “no” and “okay”. Be receptive to what the other person is saying and contribute too.
People like to talk to people who are good listeners. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say and do not interrupt them. Let them finish talking before you put in your own contributions.
Make your body language be open and receptive. Do not cross your legs and arms and turn your body away from them when talking to them. Lean forward, look them in the eye and laugh at their jokes.
One facet of conversation that people take for granted is confidentiality. People tell you things and open up about themselves because they expect you to keep the things they tell you private. If people know that you are a tight ship when it comes to their affairs, they will want to talk to you more often.
Being a better conversationalist will make you interesting and sought after, and it will make communication so much easier for you and the people that talk to you
