MAKING CONVERSATION

MAKING CONVERSAtion

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For some, it comes easily, without effort, like a natural flow of thoughts and ideas. But for most of us, conversation can be something we need to think about and work at. When you meet a new group of people, what are the subjects you enjoy talking about? Which ones do you avoid?.

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CONVERSATION TIPS

Read the tips and discuss how effective they might be for you.

Just be yourself and don't try too hard to impress people as it may make you seem false or immature. It's much better to appear modest and to be impressed by others

Keep a mental note of any new and interesting experiences you have. These can often be used as conversation starters, Try to think of an aspect of the experience that might interest or entertain someone.

Just a few minutes a day with an online news site can provide you with a wide range of conversation topics. If a visitor is from a particular country, check out the local news from that country. You'll have more to talk about and get a better understanding of theh environment they work in.

People like to speak about themselves, so ask questions and be interested in their answers. This will take the focus off you if you are shy or find it hard to make conversation.

Be sure to put your phone away. Unless you're showing something to a person, keep it on silent and in your pocket. If you start checking your phone while you are with someone, they will think you find them boring. If you really need to check for messages, go to the washroom.

Try to be upbeat and light. People like conversation to be light. Try to avoid talking about things that are depressing or give negative opinions. If you don't have anything nice to say about something, then it's better to say nothing

LET'S CHAT!

Use the prompts to ask questions. Change or adapt them as you prefer. Remember to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing

Have you ever ...

• eaten anything strange or unusual?
• been to ...?
• been on a safari?
• taken a balloon ride?
• been to a live concert?

What's ...

• the most interesting book you've ever read?
• the achievement you are most proud of?
• your biggest fear?
• the best film you've ever seen?
• your most prized possession?

If ...

• you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• you could learn a new skill, what would you choose?
• you could go back and change anything in your life, what would you change?
• If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE CONVERSATION!

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Here are some ideas. Which of these would you talk about?Which would you avoid? Why?