Tips from psychologist: Mastering art of sustaining conversations
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
Mastering the art of conversation and supporting any discussion isn't as difficult when you know a few general rules. An engaging conversationalist always knows how to structure dialogue correctly, finding the right words to navigate any situation, according to psychologist Iryna Kulik.
Actively listen
An expert advises showing interest in what your conversation partner is saying. Listen attentively, ask questions, and show your engagement.
Create a formula for yourself: if the monologue lasts for a few minutes and the conversation partner listens with interest, feel free to continue. If not, pause and ask them to share something.
Share your experience
It's worth sharing your own stories, thoughts, and expertise. This can lead to an interesting exchange of ideas and broaden both sides' horizons.
Find common topics
Look for shared interests or topics that interest both parties. This will create a foundation for a deeper and more fruitful discussion.
Practice empathy
A psychologist advises analyzing understanding and empathy towards the thoughts and feelings of the conversation partner. Show support and understanding for their point of view.
Be open to new ideas
Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and your conversation partner's experiences. This will facilitate a better exchange of information and deepen the dialogue.
Remember nonverbal communication
Your facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice matter. Irina Kulik suggests maintaining a polite and open posture, which helps create a pleasant atmosphere during conversations.
Develop your interests
The more you know and are interested in, the more topics you can discuss. Expand your knowledge and interests to have more opportunities for engaging conversations.
