How to turn a meaningless conversation into a fruitful conversation

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Having mastered the art of small talk, many do not know how to take it to the next level and turn a meaningless conversation into a fruitful conversation that is interesting for both sides. Here are some simple and practical ways even the most private of introverts can take note!

Wanting to quickly get to a substantive discussion, many make the same mistakes. Before we learn how to translate the conversation in the direction we need, let's figure out how not to do it.

• Angry cop. You cannot make the interlocutor feel like being interrogated. Who would love the feeling of being forced to go through a rigorous and meticulous interview? “Where do you live? What do you do? And how is it?" You will look overly aggressive.
• Mr. Banality. Boring general questions are a clear abuse of the attention given. You will get exactly the same blank answers about nothing. “Where did you grow up? Oh, this is so interesting. Do you have a hobby?" We've been talking about hobbies all our lives. I'm tired of it already.
• Too nervous. This is when you try to tell everything at once, and also ask each and every one of them what they think about this. “Let me tell you what I do. First, I have a career. Secondly, I also do this. What do you think of it? Have you ever heard of this? Yes? And how do you rate? " At this moment, you can literally feel how others are losing energy, and their eyes dim.

So, we already know how not to do it. And what is the right way to move from an empty conversation to a deep, interesting and fruitful conversation? Such a dialogue is an obligatory exchange of information: it will not work to remain silent and listen. And just asking questions - too.

If you feel like you're not good at asking the right questions or keeping up a conversation, use these strategies.

Strategy # 1. Question, question, statement

If all you do is ask questions, you are essentially not adding anything to the conversation. A good alternative is to ask two or three questions and then make a statement.

Badly

Good

Instead of interrogating the other person, you share with the person, establish a connection, and forge a relationship.

Strategy # 2. Observe and Compliment

Deliberate, specific compliments can be one of the most powerful tools for a productive and active conversation. If you make such compliments naturally and in an original way, your interlocutor will actually be pleased to hear it. Watch. This is the key to the perfect compliment.

Badly

Such a compliment sounds trite, trite and completely unnatural. Your interlocutor will find you very strange, unpleasant, or self-serving.

Good

See what happened? Your interlocutor will be very pleased to receive such a compliment. He will like you, because you showed yourself as an attentive and observant person.

Strategy # 3. Have Your Own Opinion

The lack of an opinion is one of the factors that destroy the conversation. Imagine a conversation with a person who does not have his own point of view, but only asks general questions. It's unbearable. What does he really think? How to establish contact with such a person? This is why it is critical to have your own opinion.

Badly

Good

See, even if you know very little about the problem, you can still bring something of your own into the conversation. Nobody requires you to report on a topic. People are just interested to hear your opinion, that's all.

The best part is that the strategies will work anyway: if you don't like talking to others in principle, and if you have already reached the pinnacle of public speaking. The main thing is to communicate and apply these tips in practice.