12/9/2020 A two-word trick for better conversations | by Cari Nazeer | Forge

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A two-word trick for better conversations

Cari Nazeer Jun 28 · 1 min read

💬 Today’s tip: Use “I’m curious” to get people to open up.

Remember parties? Those gatherings of friends, sort-of friends, and total strangers
you’d inevitably have to talk to? They were fun! The talking-to was also, at times, kind of
awkward.

Now, as many of us find ourselves gingerly reviving our social lives with socially-
distanced get-togethers, we’re once again facing that familiar old challenge: small talk.
But if you’re feeling rusty, consider Dave Schools’ recommendation for the two simple
words that will jump-start any conversation: “I’m curious.”

Those two words, Schools writes, are the ultimate icebreaker, inviting your conversation
partner to let their guard down and bring you into their world: “You’re not being
interrogative, as there’s no right or wrong answer. There’s no judgment, no ulterior
motive. You simply want to learn.” Try leading with them the next time you’re asking
someone a question. Listen, and see where it takes you.

📚 More from Forge on making conversation:

https://forge.medium.com/a-two-word-trick-for-better-conversations-df2155bd63a3 1/3
12/9/2020 A two-word trick for better conversations | by Cari Nazeer | Forge

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