What are some good ways to maintain a conversation with someone?

Sometimes i have trouble when i talk to people. It doesnt happen all the time, but it still happens alot. I am not really shy, although i used to be. I just find that i alot of times can't think of what to say, or don't have the energy to talk, if that makes any sense. Any advice?

That is who you are. Be proud of it.

Hmmm...Well things like that just happen. Just be interested in what the other person has to say and don't ask "Yes/No" questions. Ask questions where a bit of explanation is needed, it helps things move along, and generally one question leads to another until it's a proper discussion and not just "how was your day" ..."Weathers great right?.." Don't start thinking that because it's quiet you have to say something. Whenever there's a silence I always make a joke to lighten the mood, usually the joke is about awkward silences. It really depends on your familiarity with the person you're talking to and even your relationship with them and the situation. And it's ok if you can't maintain conversation, if the person isn't readily available to initiate it just as much as you are then, their loss.

Well, everyone likes someone who listens to them. If you could ask a couple of questions about what they are talking about, thats probably enough. Also, if they are talking about something that you know a little about, then you could add something to that. Sharing your experiences with others is good. I wouldn't worry too much about "having" to talk. Sometimes just listening is enough. :)

1. take a genuine interest in the person and really listen to what they are saying.

2. if you don't understand something they have said or would like to know more information about something, ask them.

3. Ask open ended questions ... in other words not things that can be answered with yes/no/maybe. Ask things like, when you go to the beach (or what ever topic you are speaking about) what do you like to do best? And then listen to the answer. They may say they like to visit the shopping malls or do long walks in the evening on the cool sand or something... then just ask more questions related to what they have said. But don't make it sound like a crime scene investigation either... relax and enjoy.

Cheers

Lisa

Ema H has given you a considered advice. Perhaps your spasmodic failure to communicate is a left-over of the period when you say you were not very well in conversation. It would also pass sooner rather than later if you try.Do you suffer from diffidence how you would be received by others. Better listen to Winston Churchill, the war-time P.M. of Britain..He was not a very good orator but found people listening to him in rapt attention.Then he left of his inhibitions and fired off speechs . He thought if these guys have come to hear me they must begreater fools than me.So why should I be diffident. ? Perhaps you are a careful speaker and do not like to just waste the steam from your mouth. That is a good thing but do not overdo it. Do not think every talk is a debating competetion.

You can maintain good conversations by being a good listener first...=)
A lot of people nowadays just seek for people who would listen to them. Of course, you should choose the person to whom you would talk to. You might encounter a person who has a bad day and doesn't want to talk to anyone...Right timing is also important...=)


Listen attentively and focus on him or her. As much as possible keep your eyes on him/her. Nod at what she says even if you don't agree, and after he's done talking that's the time when you can say your opinions...=)

I agree with what someone else posted...maintain eye contact, and speak with your eyes..."the gateway to the soul".

eye contact, be a good listener, nod your head, acknoledge them, i have the same problem, basically i'm just nervous, take a deep breath, you can do it

Take the lead.. make the other person feel comfortable. Tell them funny stories about yourself, talk about general things (ie if she's a girl, she's definitely into shopping).. just be at ease with it. Make an effort to genuinely communicate with the other person.. listen to them intently, and pick up the conversation from where they left of. The rest should come naturally. Good luck!