Conducting a conversation: basic rules

Conducting a conversation always has some purpose: we never communicate with people "just like that." Even if we communicate "about nothing", we do it for a reason, but to enjoy communicating with a pleasant person or "for diplomatic purposes" - to maintain good relations with the person in question. The basic rules of conversation are simple, but for some reason we often forget them. In addition, the more people participate in the conversation, the more difficult it is to observe these rules.

Let's start, perhaps ... from the beginning. Means - since the beginning of the conversation. If you are going to enter into a conversation that is already in full swing, do not rush: first listen, understand the essence of the conversation, then decide whether it will be appropriate to your participation in this conversation.

If you start the conversation first, carefully choose a topic: it should be interesting for everyone (or thoughwould be for most) present. In an unfamiliar company, you should not talk about politics or religion, raise family topics - in general, the topic of conversation should not be too personal or potentially controversial.

Correct conduct of conversation requires the ability not only to speak, but also to listen. Several people take part in the conversation,and this means that everyone should be able to speak out. The conversation should not turn into a monologue, so watch yourself. If one of the interlocutors turns into a "woodsworm", try to gently hint to him that others also want to speak out.

When you are approached with a question, do not answer in monosyllables (for example, simply "yes" or "no"). Such answers often discourage people from any desire to conduct a conversation, as they demonstrate a lack of interest on your part (even if in fact it is embarrassment or fatigue). Even if you have nothing to answer to the question, except "yes" or "no", try to expand the answer a little, so that it does not sound so abruptly.

If the conversation is not glued, you can try to defuse the situation with a joke. But jokes should be selected very carefully, especially in an unfamiliar company: there is always a risk that your acuity canoffend anyone present. Therefore, avoid jokes about certain groups of people (nationality, profession, etc.), ambiguous jokes. In general, if a joke makes you even the slightest doubt - do not joke.

During the conversation, controversial issues may arise and differences arise. No matter how strong the temptation to defend your point of view, you do not need to lose respect for the interlocutor. Of course, no one says that you shouldgive up your opinion, but you need to object to the interlocutor unobtrusively and delicately, avoiding harsh expressions and transitions to individuals. Do not impose your opinion on anyone and your views, do not mock at someone else's point of view.

During a conversation, watch your speech. Try to refrain from usingspecific slang, professional jargon and rarely used foreign words, which may be incomprehensible to many of those present. And, of course, no rudeness. Of course, a lot depends on who you are talking to - in the company of close friends the boundaries of the permissible are significantly expanding - but do not forget about the elementary rules of decency.

In general, the conduct of the conversation is subject to a fundamental principle applicable in almost any situation: Do not tell the interlocutor what you do not want to hear. The conversation should be based on mutual respect, only if this condition is met, all the interlocutors will be satisfied with the conversation and with each other.