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Questions to Keep the Conversation Flowing
What Are Some Interesting Topics?
When trying to keep a conversation going, it helps to have some interesting topics to discuss. The topics you choose can help to steer the conversation in a certain direction and can also reveal more about the person you're talking to. Some interesting topics that can make for a captivating conversation include:
- Science and technology – For example, latest innovations, discoveries in physics, chemistry, biology and much more.
- Pop culture and entertainment – Discuss current movies, TV shows, music, and books, etc.
- Personal Development– This includes self-improvement, personal finance, goal setting, and time management.
- History– Share knowledge on any era or historical figures or events, you find fascinating.
- Environmental issues – Discuss ways to contribute to a sustainable future, ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
- Food and Culinary Arts– Share your favorite recipes, ingredient substitutions, and tips for cooking different types of cuisines.
It can also be helpful to ask questions about the other person's interests or experiences. This can help to create a more meaningful conversation.
What Questions Should I Ask?
When trying to keep a conversation going, it is important to ask questions that are open-ended and that will allow the other person to give more than a yes or no answer. Some examples of questions that can help to keep the conversation going are:
- What do you like to do in your free time? This question can help to get the other person talking about their hobbies and interests. It could also lead to the discovery of any common interests and help to form a deeper connection.
- What is the best place you have ever visited? This question can help to get the other person talking about their travel experiences. It can be a great way to get a glimpse into their personality and what they find exciting and interesting about the world.
- What is your favorite book? This question can help to get the other person talking about their favorite books. It could also reveal something about the other person's interests, reading habits, personality and values.
By asking open-ended questions, you allow the other person to speak more freely and provide a more in-depth and interesting response. Avoiding questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. It also demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say and creates a more engaging and meaningful conversation.
Discover what to do when conversation gets boring.
How Can I Keep the Conversation Going?
Once the conversation has started, it is important to keep it going by asking follow-up questions and actively listening to the other person. Follow-up questions are a great way to show you are interested in the topic and to delve deeper into the discussion. It's also helpful to repeat or paraphrase what the other person has said to show that you have been actively listening to them.
It is also important to avoid topics that are too controversial or that could lead to an argument. For example, discussing politics or religion can be sensitive topics, try to steer clear of these topics if you don't know the person well. Instead, focus on more neutral and positive topics that can be discussed in a respectful manner.
Additionally, it can be helpful to make sure that both people are talking about the same topic and not just talking about different things. To do this, you can use verbal cues such as “So, you were saying….” or “Let's get back to the topic we were discussing earlier” to bring the conversation back on track.
What Should I Avoid?
When trying to keep a conversation going, it is important to avoid topics that are too controversial or that could lead to an argument. For example, discussing politics or religion can be sensitive topics, try to steer clear of these topics if you don't know the person well. Instead, focus on more neutral and positive topics that can be discussed in a respectful manner.
Additionally, it is important to avoid talking about yourself too much or monopolizing the conversation. Instead, allow the other person to speak more and actively listen to their responses. Also, try to balance the conversation by encouraging the other person to speak more and ask questions that show your interest in the topic they're discussing.
It is also important to avoid asking too many personal questions, as this can make the other person feel uncomfortable. Instead, start with general questions and slowly build up to more personal ones as you get to know the person better. Also, respect their boundaries if they do not want to share personal information with you.
Conclusion
Keeping a conversation going can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right questions and techniques. It is important to ask open-ended questions that generate a depth and richness of the responses. Additionally, try to avoid closed-ended questions that limit the other person's ability to share. Also, actively listening is key to maintaining and deepen the conversation, it shows you are engaged and interested in the other person's thoughts and ideas.
Additionally, it is important to avoid topics that are too controversial or that could lead to an argument. Try to be mindful of the person you are talking to and their preferences, if you don't know the person well, try to steer clear of sensitive topics and focus on more neutral topics that can be discussed in a respectful manner.
With the right approach, it is possible to keep a conversation going, in fact, it becomes an easy task if you are genuinely interested in the person you are conversing with, and your willingness to listen and engage with them. A meaningful conversation is always a two-way street, both sides should be given an equal chance to speak and share their thoughts, it's a wonderful way to learn and grow together.