Tuesday, March 22, 2005

The Art of Conversation - A Modern Update

Many observers of modern society complain bitterly that the
art of conversation has been irretrievably lost in the
United States.

Yet on closer examination, we discover that the art of
conversation is quite alive and well in America. Only its
rules of engagement have changed from what they were a
century or two ago. The "art of conversation" has always
managed to adopt itself to the times and mores of society.

In eighteenth century England, Samuel Johnson quipped
dryly: "Questioning is not the mode of conversation among
gentlemen." It was considered quite rude to confront
someone with a question in "polite conversation."

Today, questions politely phrased indicate a high degree of
interest in the speaker and are used to propel the
conversation forward.

Women during Victorian times were expected to engage in
conversations that addressed only a few light subjects. The
weather was a favorite. It rarely raised heated debate,
which was to be shunned at all costs.

Today, women appear to be as free as men to indulge
debating any topic of interest. Consider the thousands of
chat rooms, forums and blogs on the Internet with exchanges
on virtually any topic you can imagine!

Conversation is the foremost means of self-expression of
all people. It provides a means of transmitting knowledge
from one generation to the next. Conversation creates
self-confidence, and enables us to build trust among
people. Let's define exactly what we mean by the phrase,
"art of conversation."

An "art", according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, is "a
skill acquired by experience, study or observation." A
"conversation" is "an oral interchange of sentiments,
observations, opinions or ideas." So, "the art of
conversation" could be said to be a "skillful exchange of
opinions"

Just how do we go about becoming masters of the art of
conversation?

1. Try to be comfortable, both physically and
psychologically, as you enter into a conversation. If
either of you is uncomfortable, the conversation is likely
to be stilted and artificial.

To become a master at the art of conversation, try to make
the other person as comfortable as you yourself would like
to be.

2. Try to find out something interesting about your
partner. Whether the conversation is one struck up between
two perfect strangers on a train, or with your life-long
best friend, trying to get to know that person better is a
key strategy to be used in good conversation.

Asking how someone feels is a great first step in providing
the basis of that comfort and security.

3. Be credible! A master of the art of conversation will
always support his or her opinions with a goodly amount of
information that can be easily verified. Credibility builds
trust, and trust leads to the highest level of
communication.

4. Try not to interrupt the other person. This one is key!
It's just plain rude and often results in argument, the
least desirable form of communication.

5. Use questions, instead of making statements. Questions
involve a response that will carry the conversation forward
naturally. Flat statements are often considered threatening.

These easy steps are the key cornerstones for learning to
become a master of the modern art of conversation. This is
true whether you might be chatting on the Internet, dining
in a fine restaurant, or simply enjoying the company of
good friends.

Want even more? Test drive our breakthrough communication
skills system for 365 days at:

http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Saturday, March 12, 2005

More Conversation Skills Articles

Here are some more articles with tips on how to start
a conversation, making great conversation and some
pointers on conversation topics...

How To Master The Art Of Conversation
http://www.conversationtalk.com/art-of-conversation.html

How To Develop Great Conversation Skills
http://www.conversationtalk.com/conversation-skills.html

Proven Conversation Starters That Work
http://www.conversationtalk.com/conversation-starters.html

4 Important Conversation Tips
http://www.conversationtalk.com/conversation-tips.html

Want An Endless Supply Of Conversation Topics?
http://www.conversationtalk.com/conversation-topics.html

How To Start A Good Conversation
http://www.conversationtalk.com/good-conversation.html

How to Start a Conversation Effortlessly
http://www.conversationtalk.com/how-to-start-a-conversation.html

Common Mistakes When You Make Conversation
http://www.conversationtalk.com/make-conversation.html

3 Great Ways To Start A Conversation
http://www.conversationtalk.com/start-a-conversation.html

The full list is at:

http://www.conversationtalk.com/sitemap_1.html

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

7 Confidence Building Articles

How To Be Confident
Improving Self Confidence And How To Gain Confidence

Build Confidence The Easy Way
Build Self Confidence and Boost Confidence With Proven Tips And Strategies

The New Confidence Builder Anyone Can Use
Increase Confidence With These Tips And Enjoy High Self-Confidence

Confidence Building Simplified
Gain Confidence With Proven Self-Confidence Strategies

Confidence Tips That Work
How To Gain Confidence By Learning New Ways To Increase Confidence

Discover How To Be Confident
Improving Self Confidence Starts With Knowing How To Boost Confidence

New Self Confidence Tips And Tricks
Gain Confidence And Build Self-Confidence With These Great Tips