become a better conversationalist

A question about this goal: I’ve noticed that many of my conversations, especially with people who know each other but don’t know me, evolve into discussions that I know nothing about. For example, they may end up talking about their favorite sports team, their visit to Graceland, or mutual friends. How do you engage a group like this, when you really have nothing substantial to add? One option would be to hijack the conversation into another direction, but that seems rude.

I have been making it a point to talk to more people – a natural order in my goal of becoming a better conversationalist. I noticed that I have become a little manic in this quest, so I am talking faster and using more hand gestures. I just need to calm down, take a breath and trust myself.

If I have a specific topic to talk about I seem to do better. Idle chit chat is a killer…

I have been incredibly social as of late, carried conversations with new friends, old friends, brazilians, nebraskans, tiny children and old men. I feel great. Also, I avoided drama! I love my life.

especially for networking!

I had a wonderful coffee conversation today with my slightly awkward genius boss. w00t

I know its a bad move to become a wiatress while i’m shy. But i try to use my acting and act like i’m on stage but it;s hard. I have trouble talking to my costumers and i don’t want to invade their meal. Today i’ll try to be more confident and talk to them more.

Ive noticed some awkward pauses in everyday conversation here latly…ide like to think its none of my fault, But it could quite well be.

Either way I want to become a better conversationalist.

I was on the phone with somebody for over an hour the other night. I didn’t do much talking but it wasn’t awful.

Does this happen to any of you? Lots of times innconversations I end up saying somehting that might offend somebody – though I have a likeable personality – I always seem to say the wrong things..
I also took a course on this recently and learnt a lot…but I need to keep practising…

My sub-goal on this will be to get the book “How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships”
by Leil Lowndes.