Friday Charm School - The Art of Conversation, Part 3

Welcome to Friday Charm School! Today we continue our look at the Art of Conversation.

Conversation Essential 3: Have Something Interesting to Say

One of the best things you can do in preparation for a party or get-together is to go armed with at least one or two interesting stories, anecdotes, or thoughts about the latest world news. Remember, the best conversations are not mere accidents. Plan in advance to have something interesting to say!

Here are some ideas for topics that will make for great conversations:

- Recent news headlines from your favorite newspaper, online news website, or blog.
- Your favorite book or a recent one you've read, or your favorite author
- Your favorite type of music, a favorite song, or musician
- Sports headlines or sports you participate in
- Places to go and things to do in your city
- Your hobbies or interests

Talking about ideas or experiences that interest you will show in your enthusiasm and tone of voice, and thus will interest others. That's the way to keep the conversational ball rolling!

Avoid falling into the conversational pitfall of trying to talk intelligently about something you don't have an interest in or understanding of. It is much more graceful to admit you are not familiar with a subject than to pretend that you do. No one likes a phony.

Taking a look back at My Fair Lady, here are the amusing consequences that happen when Eliza is introduced to society. She has been taught how to speak, but not what to talk about!

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Friday Charm School - The Art of Conversation, Part 2

Today we continue our look at the Art of Conversation.

Conversation Essential 2: Starting a Conversation

Whether meeting someone new or greeting someone you've met before, knowing how to start a conversation is an essential skill. Even the most brilliant conversations start with an easy opener. A remark about the weather, the current news, or your surroundings will break the ice and include everyone. This also allows your fellow conversationalists time to prepare a follow through topic. Before arriving at a party, have several "openers" in mind so you'll feel at ease.

If conversation lags, ask a leading question about one of the other people in the group. Something along the line of, "How do you know our hostess?" or "What do you do for a living?" will work perfectly to keep things moving. Conversation is like a ball that bounces from place to place. It is your responsibility to keep the ball moving and not let it drop. When moving from group to group, you can use the same openers or leading questions again to start a new conversation.

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