I just got back from my three day excursion. I made many memories, had plenty fun, and now have a load of things to write about. The three days were full of ups and downs that I cannot not wait to share with you all! Next week, I'll post more detail about my trip, but today I am going to talk about the art of conversation.
Conversing is an art. Like painting, conversation is a way to express yourself. It is also hard to master. Creating a conversation that both individuals are invested in requires strategy, logic, and understanding.
Things to remember when and before making a conversation:
- What kind of relationship do the two of you have: acquaintance, friend, new person.
- Make eye contact.
- Use hand gestures when speaking.
- Do not fidget or move your body in unnecessary ways. Eg. Spinning around on a chair while the other person is talking.
- Make sure your body movement matches your opinion or topic in the conversation. Eg. Nod when you agree or smile/laugh when the person makes a joke.
- The topic should not offend others. (Don't gossip.)
- Start by asking general questions that will not make the other person uncomfortable.
- Try to have a balance between the person asking questions and the person answering them.
- Social Intelligence: Understand whether your friend, acquaintance or new person is shy, outgoing, likes to ask questions or likes to answer questions.
- Keep the conversation optimistic.
- Enjoy spending time with your friend or getting to know someone new!
Acquaintances and Unfamiliar People:
When starting a conversation with an acquaintance, there are many "conversation formats." Like a survey, conversational questions can be open or closed. An open question can have a long answer that states a person's opinion and gives great detail or insight on a topic. While a closed question should only be answered with one-two words, usually "Yes" or "No" (aka Yes or No questions.) Closed questions are great ways to start a conversation but open questions let both individuals talk and get a more deep and interesting discussion happening. For a lunch-time conversation with an acquaintance, it is best to start with a closed question then ask an open question relating to their response to your first question. After listening to their "open response," give your thoughts/ideas/opinion on the same question. You don't have to agree with them but make sure you are not offending them with your response. Also, allow them time to ask you questions too, that way they can also get to know you!
Bye for now,
Cara
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