Is Your Entertainment Value Low?

Ever wonder if you're an interesting person to talk to or be around? Perhaps you long to gauge the general attitude of the people you're spending time with, but don't know how. You may talk too much, or not enough. Or you might just not be that entertaining.

If you worry that your entertainment value is low but need more evidence, read over the following verbal cues and reflect on whether you've ever been on the receiving end of any of them:

"Oh, it's not you. My medication makes me drowsy."

"No, keep talking. I can snooze and listen at the same time."

"Your voice is so soothing, it puts me to sleep."

"You're not real big on conversation, huh?"

"I was just checking to make sure you still have a pulse."

"No, keep talking. I can text message and listen at the same time."

"I don't know why I keep yawning; I got plenty of rest last night."

"I'm sorry - were you saying something?"

"Maybe you just need someone to talk to. Like a therapist."

"You need a drink. Maybe it'll loosen you up a bit."

"No, it's not you. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Do you have any interesting friends?"

"I better get off the phone with you before my dog gets jealous."

"What time is it? That's all? Seems like we've been talking forever."

"Are you always like this?"

"I'm sorry. I have Attention Deficit Disorder."

"Wow, you must have kept that bottled up inside of you for years..."

"Oh, it's not you; I'm just starting to wind down for the day."

"They look like they're really having fun over there."

If three or more of these statements have been directed at you over the past six months, your entertainment value is lacking. "Well what can I do about that?" you may be wondering. Here are a few basic strategies to help you grow in this area:

1. Speak with emotion. If you have a monotone voice, you are likely to come across as dull and boring, even if what you have to say is quite interesting.

2. Learn to laugh. No one wants to be around someone who's always uptight and can't find the humor in anything.

3. Watch your body language. If you slouch, consistently look down at the floor or stare into space, you are not going to hold anyone's attention for very long, if you're fortunate enough to capture it in the first place.

4. Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't wait until you have something profound to say to speak. Lighten up and be open to conversation, even about mundane topics.

5. Encourage others to talk about themselves. People like people who take an interest in them. If all you ever do is talk about yourself, you will quickly lose your fan base - no matter how witty and intelligent you may be.

6. Don't be afraid to change. If you've been a bore for most of your life, you may feel that sprucing up your personality isn't worth the time and energy. However, as more people begin to warm up to you and enjoy being around you, you'll be glad you made the effort!