DEVELOPING THE

SKILLS OF
CONVERSATION
SENSITIVITY TO OTHER PARTICIPANTS’ DESIRE
TO SPEAK
• Knowing when to stop talking and allowing others to speak their mind is appreciated by
any listener.
• It shows selflessness and makes the interlocutor feel valued.
• Involves waiting for the listener to formulate their thoughts instead of continuing talking.
• Interrupting others is unacceptable.
ENGAGING OTHERS TO SPEAK

• Sometimes, some participants are too shy to join in the conversation.

• Ask them for their input so they feel comfortable.
• Engaging others to speak builds inclusivity and shows you value people.
SHOWING A WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN

• Demonstrates sympathy and empathy towards others.

• You make them feel that their input is valued in the conversation.
• Improves your sense of empathy
• It involves truly paying attention to another person’s words.
REMEMBERING WHAT OTHERS HAVE ALREADY
SAID
• Get to know the person.
• Remembering what they said shows that you really respect the other person’s effort to
contribute to the conversation.
• Try to understand and digest what is being said.
GUIDELINES FOR
SPEAKING SOCIALLY
BE POLITE

• Observe appropriate language forms, even with friends.

• Courtesy and politeness improves your standing in the eyes of the other person.
BE HUMBLE

• People do not appreciate a boastful attitude.

• People also hate being looked down upon.
• Avoid speaking in a condescending tone.
• Your tone of voice and choice of words must all show humility.
AVOID QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS THAT MAY
EMBARRASS YOUR LISTENER
• Evaluate what you’re going to say before you actually say it
• COMMUNICATION IS IRREVERSIBLE. You cannot take back what was already said.
• Avoid questions that are too personal or sensitive.
• “You’re gaining weight” and “Why are you still single?” are examples of questions that
may embarrass the listener.
UNDERSTAND THAT SOME QUESTIONS REQUIRE
A CERTAIN DEGREE OF CLOSENESS
• Some questions may not be asked unless you are close to another person.
• Questions about love life or family problems may not be asked by mere acquaintances.
• People who have a terminal or critical illness do not appreciate being asked about their
condition because they are reminded of their situation.