6 Ways to Keep a Conversation Going

1. Listen

Speaking less can allow the other person to express themselves freely, but no one wants to speak into the air. Not only do you want to listen, but also you want the speaker to know that you’re listening. Why? If you show you care, it encourages the other person to speak because they feel valued, respected and understood.

2. Show Interest

Using body language is one of the most effective ways to show interest in someone. Body language is as much about what you don’t do as what you do. For instance, smiling, nodding and maintaining a comfortable amount of eye contact signal interest in the speaker and show that you are listening. Can you think of anything that would send the opposite message? Perhaps you have spoken with people who constantly checked their watches or phone. You may have felt that they were bored, rushed or simply didn’t have much interest in the conversation.

3. “Tell me more about . . .”

Now, let’s move on from non-verbal communication to a phrase that works in almost every context: “Tell me more about . . .” Besides showing the speaker you want to hear more, this phrase can help you guide the conversation to the topics that are the most relevant to you.

For instance, you can smile and nod politely while your new friend talks about his vacation, but when he talks about his first day back to work after the holiday, that’s your chance to say, “Interesting! What’s it like to work at Company X?”

4. Find Common Ground

Once the conversation is rolling, listen carefully to find what you have in common with others. Similar beliefs, experiences or interests create bonds that can be the foundation of a new relationship. If the speaker doesn’t bring up any similarities on his own, take the initiative to ask a few questions.

5. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead, the speaker has to elaborate. For example, if you ask a colleague if she is having difficulty with a project, she may reply, “Yes, it’s a tough one.” You would have gained little information and the conversation could end at this point. Yet, think about the possible responses you might receive if you asked, “What difficulties are you having on the project?” If you ask questions that relate to your objectives for the conversation, the answers you receive can be invaluable. Here are some sample open-ended questions from Entrepreneur.com:

6. Demonstrate Your Worth

If you are new to an industry, the last question above is an important one. When networking or collaborating with colleagues, the conversations you have may significantly affect your chances for success.

An article in Thinking Bigger magazine describes worth as the most important factor in networking because most networkers have an agenda that revolves around themselves. “Their own sense of urgency — the need to find a job or make a sale or find sponsors for the gala — drives their interests.”

SOURCE:.glassdoor.com