Check out how to get better at chatting. Because it doesn't matter if we're on a first date, at a work event or in the company of a friend's friend - connecting with someone you just met is never the easiest task. Still, there are ways to get better at chatting—even when we feel like we have absolutely nothing in common with the person we've just been introduced to, or find ourselves in the middle of an awkward silence. Here are 10 ways to get better at chatting…
Do you also tremble before the awkward minutes of silence when chatting? For anyone struggling to connect with strangers at social events, we've put together a list of ten ways to get better at chatting…
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Show interest
Show interest in the person you just met and let them share as much information as possible.
Ask open-ended questions
Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no, ask open-ended questions and let the interviewee do the talking. This will lead to an interesting and varied conversation.
Learn
Let the interlocutor tell you something interesting about his job, hobby, favorite restaurant... and learn something new.
Keep up to date
Read, watch and listen to the news. When there's an awkward silence, bring up something you've read/seen/heard and the conversation will continue uninterrupted.
Tell interesting stories
During the conversation, try to tell anecdotes that will make your interlocutor laugh/let him know that you understand him.
Practice the DPRD conversational technique
DPRD is an abbreviation for family, profession, recreation and money. At times when you simply don't know what to say, ask your interlocutor something about his family, profession, favorite form of recreation and the economy in general.
Imitate good conversationalists
Tune in to talk shows and keep an eye on how adept the hosts are at managing a conversation that just goes on and on...
Compliment the interlocutor
Boost your interlocutor's confidence with flattery and gain his interest faster.
Practice always and everywhere
Practice with all the people you meet, whether it's a taxi driver, a doorman at work, or a waitress at your favorite bar. Chatting is like anything else - the more you practice, the better you'll get.
