How To Have Better Conversations | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Have Better Conversations

Go beyond the usual small talk.

10
How To Have Better Conversations
Flickr

Think back to the most meaningful experiences you've had. Most of them are good conversations with even better people. A good conversation can be a hug and a few words of care during a time of sadness. It can be a respectful debate that leaves you walking away with a new perspective. Often times, it is a conversation where you laughed so much your lungs got tired. Why are good conversations not the norm? It's not the fault of boring people you surround yourself with. It's you. Accept responsibility, and you'll gain the ability to make interesting conversations a norm of your life, not an exception.

Initiating good conversation depends on luck. Certain people are better to talk to and some places are better places to talk in. Besides external conditions, having good conversations is a skill that needs to be constantly improved. We were born with powerful means of communication, and for the most part we are excellent at parsing through words and expressions to understand what they mean. But there is still much lacking in our abilities to describe the storm of thoughts in our minds at any given moment. To have good conversations, we mold the disorganization in our heads and use it to connect with another person. It's a fascinating process. It is definitely not an easy one.

A good conversations starts with a basic belief. Everyone around you knows something you don't. Everyone has a special something about them that they carry around with them wherever they go. These special somethings will only be accessible to you if you understand that they exist.

Always keep in mind, that no matter how well you think you are expressing yourself, if the person you are communicating with doesn't understand, you are not doing a good enough job.

Keep all your attention on the person talking to you. Don't glance at your phone, but also don't think about something else when you're listening. Conversation partners are very good at telling when you have zoned out, and they may hesitate to share their thoughts with you if you have this tendency.

Ask questions. Try to keep the focus of the conversation on anyone but yourself. Talking about yourself is fun, but it makes for boring conversations. Instead, ask meaningful questions and if your conversation partner is a good one, they will ask you the same questions out of curiosity.

Try to learn something new after every conversation. This new tidbit of knowledge can be anything from your conversation partner's favorite food or their biggest dream. Learning in a conversation makes it worthwhile. Bonus points if you can remember what you learned and bring it back when you talk to them again.

At the heart of a good conversation is respect, empathy and genuine curiosity. Add them into your daily routine, and you'll be surprised at how much you can learn from the humans around you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186648
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12632
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456248
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments