In our last blog post, we looked at why learning to initiate conversation can be a powerful tool for introverts, and three tips for initiating conversation. Now, we are going to look at 6 more tips for starting and sustaining conversations as an introvert.
Tip #4: Find common ground.
Look for common interests or experiences that you can use as a starting point for conversation. This could be related to the event you're attending, mutual connections, or industry news.
Tip #5: Learn to ask good, open-ended questions.
Questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" encourage deeper conversation. For example, instead of asking, "Do you like this event?", you could ask "What do you think about the keynote speaker's presentation?"
Ask questions that encourage the other person to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights. This could include questions about their challenges, successes, or future goals. Ask someone about themselves, at a level appropriate to the conversation.
Tip #6: Use flexible phrasing.
If you are afraid of making mistakes in what you say in a conversation, you can adjust your phrasing to make things more open-ended:
“I’m just thinking out loud…”
“I’m just brainstorming about…”
“I’m not sure about this yet, but…”
Tip #7: Be on the lookout for ways to affirm others.
Affirm others and recognize their value whenever you can. Make sure that it is genuine. This builds encouragement and trust in the relationship.
Tip #8: Practice Empathy.
As you move through the conversation, think about the emotions and motivations behind what the other person is expressing. Empathy fosters deeper connections and helps in navigating sensitive topics.
Tip #9: Use Non-Verbal Cues to build connections.
Maintain eye contact, smile genuinely, and use nods or other gestures to show that you're attentive and interested.
Return to the first blog post in this series here.
Chew On This:
How could you use one of these tips in a conversation this week?