The art of conversation

[fleabo]

I do a lot of listening. It what comes of being married to an Aussie.

My advice, get some pet subjects you feel passionate/interested in or a topical - read up on them - then shift any conversations you have in their direction. (Typical PIO behaviour.)

[Guest69235]

LOL! Now now now.... are you trying to become a better conversationalist by spending even more time reading stuff on the internet? get off your backside and go and meet people and start chatting them up--practice makes perfect!

On a more serious note I am good at conversation only if the topic interests me, otherwise I'd much rather be a listener--but hey the world needs listeners as well!

For all the 'you need to make yourself better in such and such things...' instructions, my current response is 'I will do it in Australia'... no HONEST I will!!!

[Guest69235]

I guess many would say that conversation is an 'art', but at the end of the day most of us can hold a conversation 'if' it interests us.

It's often the case that when we have no knowledge of a subject matter we can 'turn off' to a degree, which is a great shame, because many times even if we just listen a little more we can still learn something.

I'm no great chatter, even if things interest me, I would rather listen about something I know a little of and hopefully learn something, the same can be said for things that may be in the past haven't interested me.

One example. Was recently at hospital for some tests and this elderly fella was talking to his son in law about shooting, (targets). I listened for a while then joined in as I wanted to know a bit more about the 'hobby'. From this started a two hour chat about his time in the second world war, (sniper) and the things he saw and did.

Not only did I learn a lot about his life, but also a great deal about modern day warfare and the 'projectiles' used, very interesting.

And also it went into the old grey matter as things like this often become useful in the future.

Cheers Tony.

Go on then Tony, share it all with us lot too. I for one am all ears

[Guest69235]

The art of conversation. Well it probably depends on people's mood to some extent. Also whether people are genuinely interested in people. I do not like people who do not make eye contact. Look over your shoulder whilst giving the opinion of being most interested in what you have to say.

To be a good at conversation, need to be a good listener. We all have friends I am sure who are just waiting with bated breath to get their word in. Several days later you have a talk with them about the conversation and they have no idea. No they do not listen.

I am one of those people that gets picked out in the street to be asked questions. If I sit near anyone they will start talking to me. Who knows why, perhaps its my perfume.

Relax and enjoy the moment is what its all about, everyone has something interesting to say.

I've tried the relaxing and enjoying part... the thing is, in a conversation with a native speaker, many times I miss out what they're saying because of the accent (or maybe I have an attention deficit??) And I try to find a witty thing to say but come up with nothing... I'm really dull in conversation. Which perfume do you use by the way, maybe that could help???

[Guest69235]

I'm always 'pushing' myself to talk to people wherever I am - pubs, cafes, on the street even, if say I see a guy wearing a football shirt for a team I don't recognize. I took my friend Alex into the Trinity Bar a couple of times and introduced her to some of the barstaff and already they know her name. I often ask people what music they are into, and write the bands' names down in my diary, say I will look them up on Youtube.

The first thing I have learnt reading 'Why Men Won't Listen & Women Always Need More Shoes' by A & B Pease, is that women want men to listen more and not offer solutions. So, I am seeing my friend Alex in a minute and I will put this new learning into operation.

People like talking about themselves don't they??

You're a very interesting person really. Maybe when I'm in Sydney we should meet for drinks (you'll have to find someplace that serves non-alcoholic orange juice) and we'll dutch? Mind you, I don't follow football, but since I'm this GREAT listener, you can tell me all about football and I can listen

[Guest69235]

I can talk the hind legs off a donkey, I also love to hear about what others are thinking/doing. If I ever had a chance at becoming a counsellor or psychologist I would, it'd be my dream job.

Well, that's certainly something I would like to see... hmm that gives me an idea for updating another thread...

[Guest69235]

I do a lot of listening. It what comes of being married to an Aussie.

My advice, get some pet subjects you feel passionate/interested in or a topical - read up on them - then shift any conversations you have in their direction. (Typical PIO behaviour.)

Naaah mate. I want to make friends, not drive people a mile away!!!