Ravinder Tulsiani Unleash the EDGE: Try these techniques to rekindle a flagging conversation

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Try these techniques to rekindle a flagging conversationOh, the awkward silence. It can make the minutes seem like hours. Here's what to do. By ManageBetter | Posted: June 28, 2013 DataSource: The requested DataSource 5f4ce871-9abc-4ec7-89fd-43fb6c737f57 is not accessible.

Oh, the awkward silence. Those moments when you find yourself in a social or work setting with a client or co-worker who seems to have no interest in talking. It can make the minutes seem like hours.

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Everyone experiences this some time, and there are ways to work around it.

• Adjust your conversation style to match that of your companion. For instance, if someone is speaking and behaving quietly, you should do the same. Some people are intimidated by exuberant conversationalists.

• Get them to tell you a story. Avoid simple yes/no questions. Instead, try to get people talking with questions like these: “What brought you to this event? What part of the program have you enjoyed most? What project are you currently working on?” Ask anything that requires them to provide some sort of detailed answer, which often opens up opportunities for more questions.

• Ask about their last vacation (or their next). Ask about where they grew up. Ask them where they went to college and how they liked it. Questions like these often conjure up pleasant memories and get people talking.

If after a while they don’t respond to such overtures, don’t be offended. They may suffer from shyness, or perhaps they’re preoccupied with a crisis of some sort. Politely move on, or feel free to get lost in your own thoughts.

—Adapted from Better Conversations

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