Sustaining the conversation

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Sustaining the conversation

Specific techniques | Notes and tips | See also

It is one thing to opening a conversation, and it is another to keep it going. Here are a number of suggestions for ways to keep things interesting and lively such that the other person does not want to leave!

Specific techniques

Here are some specific techniques that you can use to keep the conversation going.

Ask their opinion: On any topic.
Concern for the person: Empathy always works.
Interest in the person: Ask about their lives.
Linking: Connect what is said to other things.
Plans for the future: Talk about what will or might happen.
Progressive disclosure: Tell a bit about yourself at a time.
Tell stories: Use the power of the storyteller.
Topical events: Talk about news and recent events.
Topic list: Build yourself a bag of interesting topics.

Notes and tips

Here are a few additional thoughts to keep in mind when you are sustaining a conversation.

Accepting criticism: Don't let it become an argument.
Balanced conversation: Give and take in good measure.
Enthusiasm for the subject: Infect them with your passion.

Also remember that the most powerful way of keeping a conversation going is simply to ask questions that the other person is interested in answering, and then doing a great deal of listening.