Do you want to build better relations with people? Then paying attention upon your conversational skills is pivotal.
If you have great conversational skills, you won’t face issues related to dying conversations such as-
- Having conversations that go nowhere and run out of steam
- Having awkward silence instead of happy chatter with friends, peers or even strangers
- Not being able to think of anything to say as you panicking and mind goes blank
This article will cover all such key aspects of conversation skills, so you can not only connect with people but also convince and entertain them most constructively and productively.
So, let us start unraveling the hidden layers of excellent conversations skills right now-
What are Conversational Skills?
Conversation skills revolve around the verbal interactions between two or more two persons.
It consists of the exchange of ideas, perspectives, thinking, and our mindset.
But some people fear conversations, as they do not know how to interact with people. It is not that they don’t want to interact with people, but they just don’t know how to keep the conversation going, and sometimes they fear what people will think about them.
Well, we cannot deny that keeping the conversation is not an easy task; it is where many of us lack. In this article, we’ll discuss all the basic aspects of the conversational skills and some tips to keep the conversation going.
But first thing first, let us understand what conversation exactly is-
What is a Conversation?
Conversation can be defined as a talk, where one or more people interact with each, and exchange ideas, thoughts, feelings, and news. In other words, it can be defined as when you simply talk to someone else, often done informally.
Ever wondered, why keeping a conversation seem tough to us?
No doubt, it wasn’t tough for the previous generation. You know why?
Well, because at that time there were no social media and they were supposed to talk directly, now, with social media, many of us do not have the habit of talking to people directly, because of which it becomes difficult for us to start the conversation.
Having fear of being judged because of our speaking style, inclinations, appearance, etc. is very crucial in impeding us to share our thoughts and feelings without any doubts and hesitations.
In all such situations, conversational skills are crucial in making a difference in personal as well as professional success. Let us have a look at some key lessons about improving conversational skills-
Rules that are Necessary for a Conversation
onversation can be defined as a talk, where one or more people interact with each, and exchange ideas, thoughts, feelings, and news. In other words, it can be defined as when you simply talk to someone else, often done informally.
Ever wondered, why keeping a conversation seem tough to us?
No doubt, it wasn’t tough for the previous generation. You know why?
Well, because at that time there were no social media and they were supposed to talk directly, now, with social media, many of us do not have the habit of talking to people directly, because of which it becomes difficult for us to start the conversation.
Having fear of being judged because of our speaking style, inclinations, appearance, etc. is very crucial in impeding us to share our thoughts and feelings without any doubts and hesitations.
In all such situations, conversational skills are crucial in making a difference in personal as well as professional success. Let us have a look at some key lessons about improving conversational skills-
Rules that are Necessary for a Conversation
We talked about how social media websites have deprived us of learning conversational skills. But don’t worry, it’s not late, we can learn and develop conversational skills by emphasizing some conversation rules.
These rules have been made by keeping the real-life experiences in mind. Hence, you should pay heed upon them-
1. The conversation should a two-way Bridge
The first and most essential rule says that the conversation is supposed to be a two-way bridge. The conversation should not be just about you or just about them.
It should be about both the people interacting. If only one person is talking, it is not a conversation but a monologue. Try to seem interested in their talks, ask them the question, and pay attention to them.
2. Politeness and positivity are the keys of effective conversations skills
Your tone should be positive and polite. You should seem approachable to them. Smile at them, listen to them patiently, it will help you to keep the conversation going. Be nice to people; do not gossip.
Do not indulge in their personal information as it will make them uncomfortable. Do not utter unpleasant or negative things to other people. It is better to avoid topics like politics and religions as it might hurt them.
Of course, you can talk about these topics, but only after knowing them a bit better. Also, if you find that the other person is not interested in talking, then it is better to stop the conversation with a polite note. Do not keep the conversation forcefully.
3. Listen and Reciprocate
Listen to them carefully what they’re saying and respond accordingly.
You should be honest while talking, as honesty attracts people. Apart from what they are saying, focus on their gestures and body language too.
Think before speaking anything, as you cannot utter anything to people. You should not seem too casual and should make sense to people.
4. The right use of Gestures and Signals are important
Use signals and gestures to tell the other person that it is their time to talk.
Ask questions, to know more about what they’re thinking. The use of the right gestures is very crucial in enhancing the impact of your conversation.
5. Emotional connection during conversation is important
Try to create emotional bonding between the people you are interacting with.
The conversation always helps you build and strengthen your relationships with others. Be open about yourself, but do not over-indulge into the conversation.
Now, in the next section, let us have a look upon some important personal as well as business conversations skills-
Some Useful Conversational Skills
We can admit the fact that making conversations at the office seems awkward because you are not comfortable with every other employee working there.
But there come some situations where you are supposed to start the conversation with your fellow workers, and you do not want to risk your job. You don’t want to lose any opportunity; for this, here are some useful tips that help you to keep the conversation going with other people.
The person should know how to create a perfect balance between work and chit-chat. As you need to bond with the other workers too so that the coordination amongst you all is not sacrificed.
1. Show People that you are Interested
Ask questions and pay attention to their answers. Then start the conversation with that person by asking ‘how are you?’ to keep the conversation.
2. Follow your Office Rules and Culture
You are not supposed to start a conversation anytime and anywhere; an office is a place where you want to create your place so you should not seem too casual for it.
3. Talk to Other People
Tell them about your life, your likings, and disliking. But it is advised to not talk about politics and religions as it might make them uncomfortable.
4. Stay Optimistic
While working there, you should create positive vibes around you. The tone of your voice should be positive enough to attract other people. Try t look for solutions, rather than worrying about the problems.
5. Try to Avoid Office Gossips
When the other person shares some personal information with you, keep it confidential with you only. Do not badmouth about your company or your colleagues to other people.
6. Listen More, Talk Less
Observe people, listen more to what they say to get a fair idea about their thinking perspective; it will help you to improve yourself. Also, you’ll know what you need to speak.
7. Make Timely Conversations
Start the conversation at the correct time. You are not supposed to talk when someone is in a hurry or having a bad day. The conversation should be timely and appropriate.
8. Schedule meeting discussions to talk about work-related topics
It will help you to evaluate yourself and improve your skills. Also, you’ll get to know more about your colleagues during that discussion.
9. You Should Have a Great Sense of Humour
If you have a good sense of humor and you are funny, you are more approachable. But just cooperate with the office environment.
10. Allow More People into the Conversation
Keep the conversation with more than one person; it will help you to exchange ideas, release your tension, and make people comfortable around you.
11. Do not indulge in Personal Matter of Other People
You should know your boundaries and should not exceed them as it will make the other person uncomfortable.
12. Appreciate them for their Good Performance
By doing this, it will motivate them to become more efficient, also make them comfortable around you. It often boosts the confidence of the person.
Now, as you are well aware of some of the most important conversational skills, let us now understand how you can improve your conversational skills-
How to Improve Your Conversational Skills?
We all get nervous while talking to someone. It is very common to us, because of which we lack in our conversational skills.
We all need to learn how to begin the conversation and talk comfortably with others confidently.
Conversational skills play a major role in our success, as you cannot achieve high if you do not know how to talk and interact with people. It is indeed important in our lives.
Here are some tips that will help you to work and enhance your conversational skills.
1. Start working on your self-esteem
You should not feel that you do not have any self-worth. Feel proud and confident yourself. The confidence will show up the skills you aspire. Do not focus on what people will think about you. Stay calm and positive.
2. Show confidence and comfortable body language
People should feel that your body language is showing confidence, and you are giving positivity to them. Stand straight, avoid shaking your legs in nervousness. Show people that you’re approachable.
3. Keep evaluating yourself regularly
Talk about yourself while interacting with others, but do not focus just on yourself. Allow others to tell about themselves, let them speak, and listen patiently. Also, be aware of the current scenario, news updates, and information.
4. Know who you are, your self-worth
You should be well-aware of your areas of concerns, and strengths as well. It is an important aspect of learning and developing conversational skills in you.
5. Learn the basic Etiquettes of Conversation
The person should know the basic information about how to begin the conversation, and how to keep the conversation going, that boosts your self-esteem. It helps you to interact more properly with people.
6. Try to be more social with people
Practice your social skills regularly. Do not hesitate to communicate with people. Think natural, speak naturally.
Final Thoughts about Conversational Skills!
No matter where you are, you should know how to keep the charm in the conversation, as it will pull in more people towards you.
But make sure you are following the correctness of the place. Do not get too personal with them, as they might not like it.
The person will try to keep the conversation if you seem interested in them or if you seem to know more about them. While, if you seem interested in talking about yourself only, people will find you dull and not want to have any conversation with you.
Hence, in a conversation, you should not just talk about yourself but others too.
Indeed, conversation skills are an essential part of our lives; it helps us to know more about people, us, and improvise ourselves.
How crucial do you consider conversational skills in achieving success in life?
Did we miss any of the conversational skills that you consider important?
Pinky is an MBA in Marketing from the University of Mumbai. She loves helping people out in learning Marketing and sharing latest ideas and tactics for growing businesses.