Here’s an all new Conversation Topics!
I’m sure you know one of the biggest fears stopping people from starting conversations is the fear of running out of things to say.
I’ve given suggestions before of how to keep a conversation going, but sometimes it feels good to have an ACE in your pocket. Something you can fall back on if your social mojo falls flat for a moment. Well, that’s what these Conversation Topics posts are made for. Read on….
In this week’s topics: Facebook taking over, a Rat fights the Police, and a 99 year old graduates college after 79 years.
Avoid lulls by having something to talk about!
Crazy concept I know…so here are some recent news (and not-so-news) stories I’ve hand-picked as a resource for you. I’ve picked them because they’re the type of topics most people could either get a laugh from or have an opinion on.
Remember, that’s the point. You want to get them talking so you can use their responses to move the conversation forward. Some good things to say after you recount the story could be, “what do you think about that?,” or “have you ever experienced something like that, before?”
How do you bring it up? Just say something like, “Oh did you hear about…” Or, “Oh, guess what I read the other day?” Your enthusiasm will cause them to be curious and want to hear more.
Below, you’ll find the story headline/link and a brief description of ways you might use it in a conversation.
This Week’s Topics
Social Networking Accounts for 1 of Every 6 Minutes Spent Online [STATS]
So this is one a lot of people will have experience with, which is what makes it a good topic. How much time does the other person spend on social networking sites? A lot? None at all? And what about work-time social surfing…y’know at 2pm when you ALREADY want to get out of there…
Rat bites Baltimore City police officer after hiding in cruiser
I was laughing reading this story and included it for a good reason. Storytelling is a GREAT way to socialize with others and a terrific way to pass time together. This article is basically a story and a funny one at that. Try telling it well at your next social opportunity and gain the benefit of practicing a cornerstone of good conversation.
So much for the University of Life! Oregon man who quit college in 1932 graduates aged 99
A story that will capture anyone’s imagination and attention. This is a feel good story and something sure to get people talking in a positive tone. It can also lead to discussions about dreams, goals and hopes for the future.
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So remember to keep these in mind this weekend or all next week to use in any conversational lulls you might encounter. After all, one secret of conversational “naturals” is to have “stock” material to fall back on.
PLUS, please share your stories of where these topics take your conversations. How did you use them? How did it go? Reply in the comment section below.