Conversation Tips and
Common Courtesy

These conversation tips and common courtesy armed with
great conversation starters will make you rise to the top.

Why? Because unfortunately, simple common courtesy is foreign in many circles.

Let's see if we can change that!

Now, don't be shy. Go forth with boldness!

1. Look people in the eye and listen when they speak.
You've heard this before, but it's worth repeating. There is never a greater conversation stopper than when someone is not paying attention or looking everywhere else but at you. Poor form! As well, don't interrupt while they are speaking or blow people off.

2. Let people talk -- people like to talk about themselves, and it's a good way to get conversation flowing when first meeting someone. If they are polite, they will ask questions in return and you will experience a mutually enjoyed conversation.

3. Cousin to #2: Don't monopolize the conversation.
You want people to walk away from a conversation and have pleasant thoughts about meeting you :) Generally, people will ask questions too and you both will share thoughts and ideas.

4. Ask specific questions to show interest & go deeper.
Pretty self-explanatory conversation tip :)

5. Be sensitive to when it's time to say good-bye.
If someone is looking at their watch or fidgeting, pick up on that and respect their time. They may simply have a time restraint they are dealing with and it has nothing to do with you.

6. Keep your language appropriate.
A good conversationalist will use appropriate language, and show they have a sense of vocabulary and grasp of the English language.
Put simply: Don't curse.
Personally, I think cursing puts a damper on any conversation and it's offensive.

7. Refrain from gossip.
Gossiping is never a win/win. If I meet someone and they immediately spread gossip or want to talk about someone else; I respond with caution.

Now if you're talking to a BFF; well then, gossip away! JUST KIDDING! :)

Gossip and gossiping don't tend to create solid relationships. It gives a clue into one's personality, and really makes me question whether they would talk about me that way too.

8. Please, thank you, excuse me, and I'm sorry are always appreciated.

9. Cousin to #8: Talk and respond in complete sentences. . . within reason.
Refrain from grunts, and "yeah" or "yup" as a response -- those are guaranteed conversation-enders! They contribute nothing to a conversation.

10. Remember names. Try to use the person's name in your conversation -- this will help cement their name in your head.

Before we visit a new church, I try to get my hands on the church's pictorial directory so I can study names with faces. I try to memorize which children go with whom. That seems a little like cheating, but we have to remember so many people as missionaries while visiting churches, and that little trick has saved me many times :) It may work for you too.

This list of conversation tips are pretty straight forward, and common courtesy never goes out of fashion.

If they have been forgotten; refresh your memory
and enjoy the benefits! :)

To the journey,
Julie

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