How to Carry a Good Conversation

STEP 1: Building up your confidence is a must. If you feel confident you won't be as self-conscious when talking to other people and you won't be as scared of being rejected. If someone doesn't seem interested in you, don't take it personally. Just laugh and move on. Laughter can make a tough situation a little less painful. When you feel confident you don't have that constant need for acceptance so you can sit back and relax a little. If you feel comfortable in your surroundings you are likely to make other people feel comfortable as well because they see that you at ease in their presence.

STEP 2: When getting to know someone you should ask questions. Most people love to talk about themselves. If you can get them to start opening up you can usually get the conversation to continue flowing. Don't be in a rush to ask too many questions because that can get annoying. Just be calm and relaxed and listen thoroughly to their answers. After it's clear that they have finished their thought you can then respond or comment to what they've said.

STEP 3: Don't be afraid of silence or pausing. Often people panic when there is a moment of silence in conversation. Don't be that way. It's okay to have pausing and moments when there's no conversation taking place. If you allow moments of silence it gives you and everyone else a chance to collect your thoughts and respond accordingly.

STEP 4: If you are really nervous and need a back-up plan have a few conversation starters to get the ball rolling. You could ask about their job, what they like to do to relax, or whatever else. Your best option is to just Google "conversation starters" and pick out your favorites. Then look them over and memorize them so that you have them handy if you need them.