3 conversation skills worth pumping up

Ability to start a conversation

It is difficult to start a conversation because we cannot come up with a suitable phrase. All the usual options sound trite, and the original greetings are even worse than the standard ones. In fact, you need to take one small step: put your doubts aside, walk up and say "Hello!" Nobody needs magic phrases, everyone communicates in simple and understandable words.

If you don't like a short greeting, here are three good options:

"Hey! How is the morning going?"
"Hey! It seems we haven't met yet. My name is Nastya".
"Good morning! How are you?"

The value of such starting phrases, of course, is not in originality, but in universality. Anyone can use these expressions, they suggest a positive response and will help start a conversation.

The skill can be trained. Just find the right person. For example, most of the bartenders or waiters are very nice to talk to. Of course, this is part of their responsibilities, but that's the beauty. Try to strike up a conversation with these phrases:

"What is the tastiest thing here?" In response, you will most likely hear: "Everything." You have many options for continuing the conversation. For example: "No, really, what kind of coffee do you yourself drink when no one sees?" And then: "Great, I'll try it with pleasure." Or place your regular order and add: "I will definitely try next time."
Make a joke. Surprisingly, a joke doesn't have to be hilarious. A good joke for a short conversation should be simple, straightforward, and enjoyable. Nothing offensive or out of place. Make a funny point.
"I wonder what was the craziest order you got this week?" By narrowing the question down to “this week,” you can help the other person respond quickly, without hesitation. At this stage of the conversation, it is not necessary and even dangerous to ask deep questions or those that force you to seriously delve into your memory.

Of course, you shouldn't start such a conversation if there is a long queue behind you, or if you come to a cafe where a lot of visitors and waiters get knocked off their feet. The dialogue should be pleasant and relaxed. And be sure to smile.

Ability to join the conversation

Having a conversation with multiple people can be a nightmare. You appear, see many strangers, get scared and withdraw into yourself. It seems that if you speak now, it will sound silly and absurd. Probably, in such a situation it is better to be silent. Why would anyone listen to you?

Use one of three prepared phrases. The trick is to join the conversation by adding something useful, interesting, and educational.

“I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I can see …” When you stand close to someone who is already talking, you can obviously hear their conversation. It's okay to join the conversation and be a breath of fresh air.
"Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you mean?" People usually do not like to admit their own ignorance. Use this fact to ask a question that is on everyone's mind, but that no one dares to voice. A curious newbie won't look stupid. But he will allow the interlocutor to feel at ease and explain what is interesting to everyone.
"Forgive me, I have been in this area for a long time, but I have not heard such an original opinion." A compliment can be a reason to continue the conversation if it is not trivial and shows your interest in the interlocutor. But a compliment on duty will not help to break into the conversation and even interfere.

You can join the conversation at any time, especially if your statement makes the conversation more interesting. This could be a remark, a well-posed question, or a nice compliment.

Ability to keep the interlocutor's attention

To keep a person's attention and the pace of a conversation, there are three things to keep in mind. First, try not to talk about yourself too often. Secondly, do not ask too many questions to the interlocutor: he is not being interrogated. Third, try to talk about personal topics as little as possible. This is considered undesirable in business communication.

What kind of questions can you ask? Here are some good examples:

"Why did you decide to work in a company (field, industry)?"
“You probably have a wealth of experience. What was the most useful for you?"
"What do you like most in the company (sphere, industry)?"

These questions are completely harmless. Better yet, they play on our self-love, because you are actually asking the other person to talk about their career or preferences. You are not pushing, but offering a pleasant discussion. Few would refuse such a conversation.

Of course, you shouldn't just ask questions. Share your opinion, give detailed answers, discover a couple of facts from your biography. You can talk about anything that is appropriate: family, hobbies, previous work experience, new knowledge.

conclusions

As you can see, mastering basic communication skills is easy. The main thing is not to give up.

Any conversation can be started with the simplest greeting. If you are embarrassed to just chat with a stranger, learn a few standard phrases. They will save you if you start to panic and lose your temper.

You don't have to start the conversation yourself, but join the conversation. Just think about what else you can add to what has already been voiced, and express this thought out loud. People will definitely appreciate it, and you can easily learn to communicate even with someone you see for the first time.