Having the ability to partake in good conversation could open doors and possibilities for you in the most unlikely of places and in the most unlikely of ways. It is a skill that can often be overlooked and reduced to natural ‘charisma’ but being able to have good conversations is an art we believe you can learn to master.
So how can you master the art of conversation?
Firstly, it is important to be curious. As tempting as it can be, try not to go into conversations thinking about what you’re going to say next or reply with. Take a genuine interest in the person you’re talking to. Going into every conversation with the mindset that everyone has a story and can provide value, will make you more open to hearing what people have to say.
It is also important to be authentic. It is normal in professional environments to start responding with how you think employers want you to respond rather than with what you actually feel or think. Often that can leave you in a stagnated position where you’re not able to showcase who you truly are and what you truly have to offer as you’re too worried about saying the right thing. However, authenticity is infectious. Not only do your conversations naturally improve when you speak from the heart but you also leave a better impression on the other person.
Through genuine curiosity and authenticity, you can make the other person feel comfortable to reciprocate an engaging conversation. Open-ended questions are a way to allow people to fully express their thoughts. It then gives you the space to build on what they said, leading to a continuous, flowing conversation.