What's up guys! I'm back at it with another (short, thankfully) guide for your betterment.

So, let's talk about conversation. The foundation of communication. The thing that allows you to express your thoughts and let other people know just who you are.

Whether you're trying to make new friends, build a professional network, or simply want to become more comfortable in social situations, the ability to hold a conversation is key.

It's one of the most important skills to master, yet, so many of us suck at it. At least, I know I did when I was just starting out my journey of self-improvement. We're worried about what to say, how to say it, and whether or not we'll be judged.

It took many, MANY awkward minutes of silence, bad jokes, and fumbled baddies for me to get good at talking to people.

Luckily, I went through it so you don't have to!

Here's how to be an effective conversationalist. Become proficient with these, and watch your life change for the better:

1. Practice active listening: One of the most important aspects of a great conversation is the ability to truly listen to the person you're talking to. This means putting aside your own thoughts and focusing on what they're saying.
2. Be open-minded: Be willing to consider different perspectives and ideas. it helps create more meaningful conversations and allows you to avoid disagreement and tension.
3. Ask questions: A great way to keep a conversation going is to ask questions. Not only will this show the other person that you're interested in what they have to say, but it will also give you more information to work with.
4. Show Empathy: Try to put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their point of view and experiences. This really helps in building trust, rapport, and ultimately making the conversation more meaningful.
5. Share yourself: Don't be afraid to open up and share about yourself. When you're open and honest with others, it can create a deeper level of understanding and connection. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
6. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, becoming a conversational master takes time and practice. So, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and have conversations with as many people as possible, as uncomfortable and awkward as they may be.
7. Mirroring: This involves reflecting back to the other person what they've said in your own words. This helps to build rapport and make the other person feel seen and understood. This also refers to mirroring someone's body language. It's a nifty psychological trick to make people more comfortable.
8. Conversational threads: Pay attention to the topics and themes that are being discussed, and use one subject to "thread" into another one. I.E "That's a cool Marvel shirt. Who's your favorite character?/What's your favorite film in the MCU?". This helps to keep the conversation flowing and shows that you're engaged and interested.
9. Touch: Nonverbal communication is a key part of conversation, and touch can be a powerful way to build connection with others. Just be mindful of personal boundaries and make sure to ask permission before touching someone.

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By mastering these principles, you can become a master at holding engaging and meaningful conversations with anyone.