11 Tips To Never Run Out Of Things To Say And Be The Best Conversationalist Around

Everyone aspires to be a master conversationalist, but it's not as simple as it seems. Constantly coming up with witty remarks can be exhausting, and if the other person isn't contributing, the conversation can dry up faster than a desert in the summer. However, by learning how to keep the dialogue flowing, you can maintain engaging conversations, become a top conversationalist, and charm everyone with your conversational prowess!

Let's face it, awkward silences are no fun. You’re unsure of what to say, your mind races, and you desperately hope the other person will rescue you from the discomfort. It's an unpleasant experience.

Fortunately, awkward silences are avoidable. It's easier than you might think. You don't need to be an expert on every news topic to start or sustain a conversation.

Of course, this also depends on the other person being actively engaged. One-sided conversations are bound to fail eventually.

# Ask Lots of Questions

The best way to keep a conversation going is by asking questions. This keeps the other person engaged and talking.

However, avoid bombarding them with questions, as it can make the interaction feel like an interview.

# Use Open-Ended Questions

Not just any questions will do—open-ended questions are key.

These questions require more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer. They prompt explanations, allowing you to contribute your own opinions and insights, thus keeping the conversation flowing.

# Expand Your Horizons

Having a variety of experiences and hobbies gives you more to talk about. The more you engage in different activities, the easier it becomes to generate new conversation topics.

You might even inspire the other person to try new things.

# Try the “That Reminds Me of…” Technique

Memories are great conversation starters. You can take a small detail and expand the conversation by sharing related memories.

This encourages the other person to share their own memories and views, preventing awkward silences.

# Compliment Them

Compliments can kick off a conversation. While they might not sustain it on their own, you can link the compliment to a memory or related topic.

For example, complimenting someone's top and then sharing a memory about its color can keep the conversation going.

# Don’t Worry About Judgment

Awkward silences often happen because people fear being judged for what they say.

In reality, the other person is likely relieved that you're taking the lead, avoiding the awkward silence altogether.

# Focus on Small Details

When the other person is talking, look for small details to expand upon. Ask them to elaborate and weave in open-ended questions to explore the topic further.

You can ask questions to get more information, showing genuine interest in their story.

# Stay Informed

Expand your conversational repertoire by staying informed about current events and trends.

Reading news and celebrity gossip can provide you with quick topics to weave into conversations. Avoid controversial subjects with people you don’t know well, sticking to lighter, quirky stories.

# Expand the Topic with a Twist

Stick to the current topic, but give it a twist to take the conversation in a new direction.

For instance, if discussing the weather, you might share a story about a time when the weather took an unexpected turn, leading the conversation forward.

# Observe Body Language

Good conversationalists can read body language to gauge interest.

If the other person seems disengaged, change the topic. If they’re making eye contact, nodding, and seem engaged, continue along that line.

Understanding body language helps steer the conversation, ensuring it remains engaging.

# Use Your Surroundings

If you're struggling for topics, draw inspiration from your immediate environment. An unusual tree or an interesting object can be a conversation starter.

Great conversations often begin with simple observations like "Doesn't that tree look like...?" or "That reminds me of...".