SCIENCE OF GREAT CONVERSATION
The Science Of Great Conversation
BY : VANESSA VAN EDWARDS , AUTHOR OF CAPTIVATE
YOU ’ RE GOING to a party , networking event or cocktail hour to meet new contacts and make connections . However , you always have a problem figuring out how to approach people , no matter what the situation .
Thankfully , there are skills you can hone and then use in social or business settings . They may be verbal or nonverbal , and easy to grasp or require a little practice . I want to explore the science of great conversation with you .
How can you make dazzling conversation with anyone you meet ? There is both an art and a science to effective communication . 1 . Be Anti-Boring Everyone starts off conversations the same way . They say , “ What do you do ?” or “ Where are you from ?” Instead , ask someone , “ What passion projects are you working on ?” or “ What gets you up in the morning ?” 2 . Start Off Strong Start off the conversation with a “ how ” or “ why ” question . People will give you more thoughtful answers and really think about why you ’ re asking them . Say , for instance , “ How did you meet the host ?” That way you ’ ll learn about the person you ’ re talking to , as well as the host . 3 . Trips And Adventure Ask people if they have any trips or fun adventures coming up . 4 . Foster Excitement Ask people if anything exciting happened to them that day . 5 . Stories Tell a story . People love funny anecdotes and it makes your conversation more personal right off the bat . 6 . Break It Down Break down a question for someone . Instead of being general and saying , “ How are you doing ?” ask , “ How ’ s Fall treating you so far ?” Frame it in the context of time so he or she can thoughtfully answer the question . 7 . Be The Highlight Ask a person , “ Have any highlights today ?” Not only is this person going to feel good because he or she gets to talk about him or herself , but it also starts off the conversation on a positive note . 8 . The Handshake Use a firm handshake when you meet someone . Don ’ t do the “ death grip ,” but make sure that your firmness level
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