We've all had that moment: someone starts talking to you and you get super nervous about having a real conversation with someone. How about the awkward silence on a date or not knowing how to get to know your partner more? Genuine conversations are a great basis for forming connections with everyone, and here are some tips to get you to be a better talker and listener.
1. Be Present, Be Attentive
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Listen to the other person. Don't be too focused on what to say next because you'll miss quality information that could be useful later or points to follow up on. People can tell when you aren't truly listening, which leaves a bad impression on you. The information could lead to similarities between two people who just met or ways to find out more about your significant other. Being able to attentively listen is a strong characteristic more furthering conversations.
2. Be You
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Be Yourself Fully! Show your true self to people, no matter how kooky or crazy, the little things that are unique about you will draw people in. Other people can easily spot when someone if being disingenuous and can cause other people to invalidate what you say, and eventually possibly end the conversation.
3. Don't Judge
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Avoid Judgments. One of the worst things you could do is judge someone while they speak to you. Avoid judging another person, because they will confide in you and your judgement could possibly ruin that connection.
4. Questions!
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Ask Good Questions. A great quality to combine with listening is asking good follow-up questions. This action proves to the other person that you are fully listening, and are genuinely interested. Questions could open the door to deeper conversations.
5. Relate
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Genuinely Relate. Try to genuinely relate to the information that the other person is sending. Keep in mind to be yourself, don't try to force a bond or relation if you can't. Don't try to form a fake relationship.
Keep all these points in mind the next time someone gets to know you, or the other way around. These qualities not only apply to personal life but to professional.
