How To Keep a Conversation Going

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Here are pointers to help fill those awkward silences. You might be surprised by what someone has to say once you get them to open up.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Interest
Listening skills
Eye contact
Enthusiasm
Open-ended questions
Humility

Step 1: Encourage talking

Encourage someone to talk about themselves by asking questions like, "What do you do for a living?" or "What kinds of movies do you like?"

Tip: People are flattered by someone's interest and like to talk about themselves.

Step 2: Show interest

Display an interest in a wide range of topics.

Step 3: Listen quietly

Listen quietly and maintain eye contact. The more trusted and sensitive their audience, the more willing people are to open up and engage.

Tip: Avoid being intrusive, prying, or gossipy.

Step 4: Respond enthusiastically

Respond enthusiastically to comments to keep someone talking. Keep your enthusiasm sounds genuine.

Step 5: Encourage further conversation

Encourage further conversation by asking who, what, why, when, where, and how questions, like: "What did you do?" and "When was this?"

Tip: Keep it low key, so it doesn't feel like you're interrogating.

Step 6: Don't be afraid to admit your ignorance

Don't be afraid to admit your ignorance when discussing a topic. That gives the other person an opportunity to show their knowledge of the subject.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• conversation
• talking
• relationships
• communication
• keep
• going
• awkward
• silence
• avoid

[TheHairySpleenShow]

I didn't even watch this. Two things. 1). Club 2). Cave

[DamionsProductions]

@TheBokdil If your def and blind, why would you be on youtube? Didn't think this one through DID YOU!

[toofatforcomfort]

no i didnt know that fact at the end...dont know how i lived without that piece of information

[viper474]

LIES!! I don't like talking about myself!

[salmanaliabbasi]

@BananerNanner Who said it's a joke?

[BananerNanner]

@salmanaliabbasi that joke is really old...

[rafael1995brasil2012]

if you are not shy, you are not gonna have problems with this

[starjobri095]

@mi3456789 omg that's exactly what I said lmaoooo

[wondermega4ever]

once I dated this nice smart girl.......not very talkative though. I was then asking questions and she told me it was like an interview, she said that we talked fine (I was saying 4 sentences,she was barely one...).......urrggghhhh!!!

[xXOr30Xx]

@xSweeetTartsX canadians, canadians everywhere.

[salmanaliabbasi]

Or you could just ask this question:

Why are you not in the kitchen?