The Art Of Conversation

The Art of Conversation
It is natural to feel nervous in a new situation. Walking into a room full of people without knowing a soul can be a daunting task, but is is important to realize thatalmost everyone is nervous when facing a room full of strangers. The approach of the first day at school or a party where you won't know anyone can be made easier if you know what to do. Developing a bagof tricks can help get you through some of those tough situations.

To begin, set a goal for yourself. For example, you can decide that at the end of this school day, or by the end of this party,you will have spoken to at least three new people or will have had a conversation with at least one new person. Remember, these don't have to be make-it-or-break-it conversations. Simple exchanges of afew remarks will suffice.

Now, how do you get started? Just walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating for most people. In fact, most people feel off-balance entering a room whereeveryone is talking a mile a minute or seems to know someone else. If you take a minute to get your bearings, however, you will inevitably find another lone soul looking as nervous as you feel. Go up tothat person and introduce yourself. You will almost always be rewarded with a sigh of relief and a smile. Remember, others are in the same boat as you are.

Beginning a conversation is not that hard.Expert conversationalists say it is all right to open with a cliche. Don't worry about sounding dull. Cliches are good for starting conversations because everyone can relate to them. What do you meanby a cliche? The weather, movies, sports, or other universal topics are of interest to everyone. If you are in a classroom, you can talk about the course or the school. If you are at a party, talkabout how you know the host or hostess.

Asking questions is a great way to keep a conversation going, but it is important to ask the right kind of questions. Asking a 'yes or no question' can stop...