The article "Questions to Keep a Conversation Going" is about communications, it has been created by Peter Murphy.
A conversation between two persons can be like a tennis game. The
back-and-forth conversation is like two playres hitting the ball
over the net.
Someone serves up a new idea from time to time.
How's your conversational tennis? Do you have issues when it's
your turn to serve the ball? An fast way to serve up the next
idea is to ask quesitons to keep a conversation going.
Say you are starting a new match with someone you've never
played with before.
You might want to start with a compliment.
Remember to make it gneuine.
After the compliment, you can ask a question: 1. Your jacket
(blouse, tie, shirt) looks great on you. Did you buy it at
JacketsRUs? This is a great serve! Now, the ball will be in
their side of the court and hoepfully a nice rally will ensue.
Supposing, you've decided to try out the new tennis courts.
You
spot someone who looks like they belong.
Try serving up a covnersation starter that shows that you've
noticed how well they fit in: 2.
What tips would you give
someone who's never played on these courts before?
Let's say, it's already been established that you both like to
play tennis. In ohter words, you sense that you have some things
in common. You've seen this other player aronud and now you just
want to know more about them.
You can now ask more specific quetsions to keep the conversation
going, like:
3. What do you like most about tennis?
People love to talk about themselves. Showing an interest in
others is a sure way to get a good rlaly going, especially if
it's done in a sincere, positive way:
4. Do you have a favorite tennis ball brand?
While you begin conversing over the different brands of tennis
balls and maybe even the color choices, you'll soon relaize that
you've got another good rally going.
Asking qeustions to keep a conversation going is a great way to
show that you are genuinely interested in what the other person
has to say.
Comparing conversation to a tennis game may seem silly, but
think of two freinds playing a game of tennis together, just for
fun. They wouldn't slam Wimbledon-type serves at each other and
try to catch each other off guard with wicked bcakhand shots.
Instead, they'd be gently lobbing the ball rgiht to each other,
so they could enjoy a good fun rally.
So, next time you feel a bit nervous at the thought of starting
up a conversation with a new person, think of it as a game.
After all, games are made for fun!
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