How do you teach conversational skills?

[LAblondeGPhi]

I think you can teach conversation skills, but you're right that it can be tricky to explain. My conversation skills improved a lot through my undergrad years in recruitment school, convo practice and recruitment itself.

A good resource is the time-tested book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie - a classic must-read. There are plenty of other books out there that outline how to be a great conversationalist.

Simple pointers for the conversationally-challenged include:
-Ask open-ended questions about the other person (people love to talk about themselves)
-Express genuine interest in the other person
-Understand when the other person is discussing a topic they DO NOT want to pursue, and when they are discussing they DO want to pursue
-Practice relaxed and comfortable body language with others
-Look people in the eye when talking to them
-Relate what they are saying to short stories or anecdotes from your own experience (especially if they are funny or interesting)
-Whenever possible, put yourself in a confident position, even if it's a mental thing only, do what you can to make yourself more confident (extra effort into your clothes/hair, assume better posture, mentally tell yourself how great you are, etc.)


There are so many more things that you can work on, but it will take practice.