How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching With Meta Communication | Page 82
5. Smile and Inject a Little Humor
As you make conversation smile and inject a little humor
into the conversation. When done well it can lift the
tension, or recapture those whos thoughts have drifted
away. You will retain the attention of the majority of the
group or audience and they will feel more comfortable.
Unless you are a stand up comedian don't crack jokes as
more often than not they will have been heard before and
aren't that funny. It is much better to tell humorous
stories based on your experiences but don't laugh
hysterically at your own stories. Allow others to
appreciate them without being embarrassed at your
behaviour.
In understanding how to make conversation don't forget humor and a smile can capture an audience.
6. Get Involved in Social Groups.
Join groups where the need to make conversation is inevitable. Whether that's a night school drama course, a course
to improve your public speaking, salsa lessons or a group or society related to a hobby or your work. Get out there
and talk to lots of different people. Listen to them, and you'll get a lot of ideas, as well as clues on how they make
conversation.
As you begin to understand how to make conversation practice is essential so go out and get involved.
7. Me, Myself, and I
Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the
shower or the bath and you think of yourself as the next
Frank Sinatra or Eva Cassidy. Leave those dreams and
opinions in the bathroom! Similarly as you make
conversation don't inflate your own ego by continually
talking about yourself.
If you do your audience will switch off and you will
soon find yourself talking to yourself. Involve others,
by asking their opinion and give them a chance to talk.
Don't belittle their opinions, give others the respect you
like others to give to you.
In learning about how to make conversation don't
forget that you are not the most important person there,
your audience is, so don't spend the evening talking
about yourself.
8. Practice, practice, practice
If you are going somewhere important, where
conversations are inevitable, and you feel
uncomfortable then preparation is essential. Think of a
few anecdotes and stories and write them out before
you go. Think of the questions you would like to ask
others. Write them down and then write out your
answers to the same questions. Now if you are asked
you can deliver a more relaxed answer.
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