How to be a Better Conversationalist

[LiberalElite]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324085304579008662096527326.html?mod=trending_now_3

Jason Swett still cringes when he remembers the party in Atlanta 10 years ago, where, drink in hand, he tried "to impress the local Southern belles," he says, by talking—nonstop.

He told the six or so people he'd just met the tale of how once at a grocery store he helped apprehend a thief who'd stuffed steaks down his pants. And the story about the time he spotted a bike at the bottom of a pond in a local park and jumped in to retrieve it. And then the one about how he smoked himself out of his own basement by setting off illegal fireworks.

Eventually, Mr. Swett asked the group, "Wanna hear another one?" The reply was unanimous. "No!" six people shouted in unison.

[LuvNewcastle]

1. A good way to get it going is to pick out something

you like about them, like maybe something they're wearing, and tell them you like it. Or if there's food or drinks, get them talking about what's good or bad, or talk about their favorite foods or drinks. Or you could pick out someone else in the crowd and start a discussion about them.

A bad way to get something going is to bring up a sensitive topic, like religion, and ask them what they think about it. When they tell you what religion they are, say "Oh my God, those people are fucking nuts!"

[raccoon]

2. IME and IMO, it's hard to find someone who is a good conversationalist.

The vast majority of people are like this dude: they yak and yak about themselves, and don't care
a rat's ass what you have to say.