Conversation is an art. It has the power to attract and repel oth- ers. When we converse with some people, we will not know how time passes. With some others, we will feel like running away from them when they speak. Although listening to con- versation depends upon our personal liking and disliking, there are certain things we need to know in order to win hearts with excellent conversation. When we understand those things and converse appropriately, our rela- tions will improve and we will become endearing to others.
Imagine that a person is talking to you with a lot of interest. But, you are not paying heed to him. You are look- ing here and there instead. Or you are browsing the cell phone as he speaks. In such cases, we are actually ignoring them or disdaining them. You should never do it. Listen to the words of the one talking to you, attentively. There are some people who are shy to look at the face of the listener when they speak. This is not proper either. Try to speak looking at the face, at the eyes. At least look at the space beneath the nose. The listener must feel that your words are sincere and that you are speaking with love. Only then your conversation will grow into a good relationship.
It is not fair to break in when some- one is speaking.You can speak when he or she has completed speaking. When two or three persons are engaged in a conversation, it is unfair to interrupt without first saying: excuse me.
There are some people who are only interested in talking. They are not interested in listening. Such people have a nickname: Radio! Because there is no give and take. They are like a radio which, when switched on, keeps talk- ing continuously. Nobody will make friends with such people. There are also some people who always speak about themselves. Their conversation will be full of boasting and self-praise. Such conversations are not healthy either.
People are interested not only in listening, but also talking. Conversa- tions should be to the point and clear. If something is not clear, you need to ask for clarification. We should not take things for granted, because it can lead to misunderstandings. Sometimes, controversial issues can intrude into the conversations between two per- sons. Both of them may not have the same opinions about the issue. In such a situation, never go for an argument or try to impose your opinion on the other. Just as I have the freedom to stick on to my opinion, the other person also has the freedom to stick on to his opin- ion. Only by accepting the difference of opinions can we improve relation- ships. Do not think that nobody likes to talk to you and nobody is interested in you. Definitely, there are people who like you. It is important to find such people. You should carefully choose the topic of discussion. You should avoid slander, obscenity and untruth from your conversations.
Time is more precious than any- thing else. Make sure that you do not regret for wasting time by talking to someone. Then you have made a good conversation.