How to Have a Great Conversation #1

Ask questions so that the other person can talk about himself or herself.

"What do you like to do?" 

"What sort of things have you done in your life?" 

"What is happening to you now?"

 "What did you do today or last weekend?" 

Identify things about them that you might be interested in hearing about, and politely ask questions. 

People love having a chance to discuss their passions or their subjects of expertise.

Ask questions for clarification. If your conversation partner is talking about an occupation or activity you do not understand, take the opportunity to learn more.

Make sure that your interest appears genuine. 

Maintain eye contact and nod your head or interject comments like, "That's interesting."

Use open-ended questions. 

Skip the simple "yes" or "no" questions. 

Instead, ask a question that will allow your partner to talk extensively. 

"So you love to go hang gliding. What made you get into it in the first place?"

Start superficial. 

Ask more generic questions at first. 

Then, gauge your partner's comfort level. 

If your partner seems willing to open up, then you can ask some more personal questions.