Ask openended questions to keep conversations flowing from "summary" of How to Talk to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything by Bruno Storm
To keep a conversation flowing smoothly, it is important to ask open-ended questions. This means asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions encourage the other person to share more information and thoughts, which helps to keep the conversation interesting and engaging. Instead of asking something like, "Did you have a good weekend?" try asking, "What did you do over the weekend?" This allows the other person to provide more detail and keeps the conversation going. When asking open-ended questions, it is important to show genuine interest in the other person's responses. Ask follow-up questions based on what they have shared to demonstrate that you are actively listening and engaged in the conversation. For example, if someone mentions that they went hiking over the weekend, you could ask, "What trails did you explore?" or "What was the most beautiful view you saw?" By asking open-ended questions and showing interest in the other person's responses, you are able to create a more meaningful and fulfilling conversation. This approach allows for a deeper connection to be formed as you learn more about the other person and their experiences. It also helps to prevent awkward silences or lulls in the conversation, as you are actively encouraging the other person to continue sharing.- Asking open-ended questions is a simple yet effective way to keep conversations flowing smoothly. It allows for more engaging and dynamic interactions, leading to more enriching and enjoyable conversations for both parties. So, next time you find yourself in a conversation, remember to ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in the other person's responses to keep the dialogue going.
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