Learning Resources

A Good Listener Should . . .

• Think less about himself and more about the conversation.

• Adopt a relaxed stillness.

• Respond positively to initiatives other people make in a conversation.

• Be ready to deduce the important messages that are left unsaid.

• Make the right noises and avoid using too much of the six famous expressions.

• Use appropriate facial expression.

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The Ethics Of A Better Conversationalist

• Be a good listener.

• Watch your endearments.

• Avoid offensively dogmatic expressions.

• Use the right pronoun always.

• If you hear people mispronounce or misuse a word, don't humiliate them by pointing out their mistakes.

• Improve your vocabulary.

• Don't worry if you can not find the right word.

• Avoid slang and swearing particularly with people you do not know well.

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Small Talk Openers

• Talk about the weather.

• Comment or ask about the surroundings or the event.

• Comment or ask about the people who play an important part in the occasion.

• Comment or ask about how you or the other person arrived.

• Comment or ask about your feelings at the moment.

• Comment or ask about current news stories, or recent films, books or TV programs.

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The Different Faces Of A Conversation Killer

• The Loquacious Guest.

• The Taciturn Participant.

• The Red-Light Speaker.

• The Chairman of the Board of Censors.

• The Bare-it-all Performer.

• The Nitty-Gritty Presenter.

• The First Person, Singular Number Talker.

• The Court Jester.

• The Great Mimicker.

• The Repentant Penitent.

• The Mother of Universal Counsel.

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How Not To Get Lost In A Conversation

• Don't let small talk become a "police tactical interrogation."

• Don't disclose too much of yourself too soon. It can make some people uncomfortable.

• Don't discuss controversial topics such as religion and politics.

• Don't make direct personal comments about a person's clothing, grooming, skin color, age or accent.

• Don't show your limitations. Always equip yourself with a well-stock mind.

• Don't take small talk literally.
   

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