When I first started speaking for a living I had great difficulty with one-on-one conversation with members of my audience. I could speak before 2500 people and enjoy every minute of it, but when I was expected to mix and mingle my tongue became all thumbs. I decided to get to work improving my conversation skills and researched the topic thoroughly. My efforts paid off for now I can speak with anyone, anywhere for any length of time. Let me share with you what I learned.

• There are three fundamental principles upon which good conversation is based.
  

1. It is better to be interested than interesting
   
2. There is nothing as flattering as the undivided attention of another human being.
   
3. People long to talk about their favourite topic which is "themselves." Keep these in mind and you can't fail in becoming a great conversationalist.

• Assume the responsibility for starting and maintaining the conversation.

• Use the person's name throughout the conversation. It shows that you're interested in and focussed on the other.

• Let the other be the centre of attention.

• Show a genuine interest in the one you're speaking with. Maintain eye contact.

• Ask questions that require more than a one word answer.

• When you ask a question listen attentively to the answer and be quick to ask another question arising from the response to the first. You learn what to say by listening carefully to what was said.

• Put the other at ease by smiling and nodding frequently throughout the conversation.

• Talk in terms of the other person's interests.

• Don't feel the need to disagree until you get to know the person better.

GREAT CONVERSATION PHRASES "That's interesting. Tell me more." "Give me an example of what you mean." "How would you like to see it turn out?" "How did you feel when that happened to you?"

CONVERSATION STARTERS Give a compliment. Ask for advice. Seek help with something. Give praise. Seek an opinion.