Foundation of USA

AL-HUDA

Foundation, NJ U. S. A

the Message Continues i/55 - Newsletter for March 2006

How to Start a Conversation Effortlessly - 5 Essential Tips

by Peter Murphy

If you are one of the millions who have difficulty in starting and participating in conversations,

you should realize that life's successes and failures are closely

related to the quality of your communication skills.

The ability to converse effortlessly with those you encounter is a critical component of all your

personal and business relationships.

Good communication skills promote an image of self-confidence and intelligence.

This is not to say that those people who find it hard to strike up a conversation are less intelligent.

They simply need to develop the appropriate skills. If you need to improve upon your

communication skills, here are a few tips to help you get started down the right path.

You can learn how to start a conversation and converse with anybody, anytime.

1. In order to make interesting conversation, you must be interesting to others.

Keeping yourself informed on current events, staying involved in activities, and keeping a

mental list of good topics of discussion are excellent ways to break the ice.

And a great tool to help you learn how to start a conversation with almost anybody.

2. Instead of focusing on how uncomfortable you feel, prepare yourself by thinking of the issues

that interest you most and what you would like to discuss about a particular subject.

A little preparation will go a long way in enabling you to easily converse with others.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

In general, people like to talk about themselves and will respond favorably when asked simple,

friendly questions. Learning how to start a conversation is not quite as difficult if you prepare in

advance.

3. Make an effort to be a good listener when starting a conversation.

After you make the initial effort, listen closely to the other person's response.

Often you'll find an invitation to continue the conversation if you listen carefully and respond

accordingly. Balance is the key in any conversation.

Alternate between talking and listening to what the other person is saying and make additional

comments as appropriate.

Learning how to start a conversation is really just using good manners and showing a genuine

interest in others.

4. Even if you find it extremely difficult, always greet those you encounter with a smile and look

them directly in the eye.

It may be hard at first, but self-confidence is a learned skill and by acting confidently,

you will gain new self-confidence.

Soon enough you will notice that it is not as hard to maintain eye contact and carry on a

conversation. Act confidently and you will eventually become confident.

Developing self-confidence is an important part of learning how to start a conversation.

5. Try to remember small details about co-workers and acquaintances.

Asking about a weekend plan or a relative is an excellent way to start a conversation and show

genuine interest in those around you.

If you are interesting, attentive, and act with confidence you will appear to be the kind of person

people like to have as a friend.

By practicing these new skills until they become second nature, you will increase your own

self-esteem and learn how to start a conversation easily.

Learning how to start a conversation is really just a process of practicing your social skills until

they become a habit.

Repetition and determination are the most important factors in building your level of confidence

and conversing effortlessly in any situation.

You can change your life and now is the time to start.

Exceptional communication skills can be learned...

Find a proven formula and follow it. You will be amazed at how quickly you will progress.

Although some people fear otherwise, impressive communication skills can be learned by

anyone of at least average intelligence. The difficulties you had in the past will not stop you

making rapid progress now.

What matters is learning a proven approach you can use for the rest of your life.

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