<p>Firax...</p>
<p>The best and easiest way to keep a conversation going is to ask questions to the other person. That way, the other person does the talking and you are expanding this important social skill....</p>
<p>Show an interest in people, their family, friends, and hobbies/activities. (People love to talk about themselves -- even those who swear that they are "private people" -- and they will love you for it. </p>
<p>People like to have people listen to them.</p>
<p>Remember what people had told you before and follow up with those things. Such as: </p>
<p>I remember last time you told me that your mom was very ill, how is she doing now? or.... </p>
<p>Last time you mentioned that you were having problems with your boss (or a certain class/teacher), has that gotten any better? Or.... </p>
<p>How is (the person's favorite team) doing this year? (People love it when you remember what they told you before). (variation if the season is over: How do you think (the fav team) will do next year? I heard the team signed XXXX (or got a new coach/manager) What do think about that.... Or...</p>
<p>Did you watch (the person's favorite team) last night/week? What did you think of (a play, a penalty, a foul, whatever) Or....</p>
<p>Did you see in the news that XXXXXX (something not too political if the person might be politically opposite of you) "safe things" usually are new medical breakthroughs, sports, local events, concerts/Broadway plays coming to town, etc.</p>
<p>If the person has a new baby, children or (grands!!!!) ask about them (people LOVE to talk about their babies, kids and their GRANDS!!! (if they bring out pics, show an interest and make a nice comment.... "what a beautiful family you have. You're very blessed." This isn't fake because all families are beautiful...</p>
<p>What do you think of (the latest hot movie)?</p>
<p>If the person is an "Idol" fan, ask them who they think is going to get kicked off next... and why.... Ask if they thought (xxxx) should have gotten kicked off last week.</p>
<p>LOOOOOOOK people in the eye when you speak to them and they speak to YOU. Eye contact is VERY important. Body language is too. If sitting, lean a bit forward, towards the person that is speaking to you. (But don't violate "personal space" !!!!)</p>
<p>If you notice, the idea is to say a few words that gets the other person talking. Then, depending on what they say, you can come up with an appropriate "follow up" to get them to say more....</p>
<p>(I am purposely listing MANY possibilities because I know that shy people often get "stuck" even trying to think of possible conversation starters. Believe me, this works.... my older son was shy with girls and he has implemented these ideas and now he's got a lot more female friends :) I am always telling him that it is my job (and now that he's older it's his job) to gently push out the "comfort zone". Not so much that it is overwhelming, but just a little bit at a time..... )</p>