The Keys To Improving Conversation Skills

Conversation happens all the time, everywhere. Whenever you are around people, there is bound to be conversation. And everyone can naturally hold a conversation, but can you hold a good one? These concepts are the top keys to being a brilliant conversationalist. Engrave each into your brain and mind them the next time you are in a conversation. You may find much more room for improvement than expected.

1. Confidence:

Confidence is the key to life. If you have that then you can do just about anything. Conversation is no exception. Feel confident about what you are saying. Usually the other person cares about what you have to say, even if you are wrong or nutty. Confidence is also the key to #5.

2. Be Interested:

Being interested drives the other people in the conversation. Lean forward, hands still, look the speaker in the eyes. These are the three primary signs of being interested. Fidgeting, looking around, and not responding, remembering, or reacting to what was said are signs of disinterest, a turn off for someone who wants to converse. Besides your body language, face language makes a difference too. People can tell when you are disinterested by the look on your face. So try to be genuinely interested, listen to what they say, ask questions.

3. Give Feedback:

Feedback lets the speaker know you are listening. Nod at the right parts, ask questions, comment at length. This will let the speaker know you are interested and drive the conversation forward.

4. Conversation Stockpile:

Conversation Stockpile is a set of jokes and interesting anecdotes to have ready to break the ice, fill in awkward silences, and direct the conversation into fresh topics. Keeping track of the news provides bulk to your stockpile and being well read helps feed the flare of conversation. My personal favorite Ice Breaker  is: "How much does a polar bear weigh?" "Enough to break the ice (offer hand for shaking)(introduce yourself)"

5. Speak at the right pitch: (like Morgan Freeman)

A conversation with someone you can't hear is difficult and with someone who is too loud, nauseating. Try keeping your voice at an appropriate level (like Morgan Freeman). This takes practice but listener feedback is helpful. If they are often asking what you said or not understanding you then you are likely too quiet. If their facial expression changes to a less real smile when you start speaking then you are likely too loud. The perfect voice is mellifluous (and sounds a lot like Morgan Freeman).

6. Avoid certain words:
Um... Not sure...um... what exactly to write here. Err....Uhhh... Oh yes. Avoid filler words such as: Um, uh, ua, eh, em, er, ah, ya know, really, fuck, literally, I guess, I mean, like, very, hashtag, swag, beiber, actually, sort of, etc...


Notice these elements in your speech and find ways to improve them. You'll thank yourself in the years to come.