{"id":85753,"date":"2022-12-01T16:21:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T20:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=85753"},"modified":"2022-12-06T16:22:37","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T20:22:37","slug":"how-to-improve-conversation-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Improve Conversation Skills: Tips From Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you struggle with talking to people? Do you want to know how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/howt-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\">improve your conversation skills<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversation skills are well worth developing because our careers, romantic prospects, and social lives depend<em> <\/em>on connecting with other people. Conversations\u2014even the most trivial, small talk\u2014establish the emotional tone of our interactions and help us gauge how deeply we\u2019d like to connect with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to learn how to improve your conversation skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-power-of-a-conversation\"><strong>The Power of a Conversation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People who are good conversationalists have the best chance of establishing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/beneficial-relationship\/\">beneficial relationships<\/a> and creating opportunities for personal and professional success. Unfortunately, many people struggle with conversations and don\u2019t know how to confidently approach and talk to others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-have-good-conversations-2\/\">having good conversations<\/a> is a skill, and like any other skill, you can develop it through practice. At the heart of learning how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/improve-your-conversation-skills\/\">improve conversation skills<\/a> are three things: choosing things to talk about, being able to listen, and emitting effective <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/nonverbal-cues\/\">nonverbal cues<\/a>. In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to improve conversation skills in each of these areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-a-conversation-topic\"><strong>Choosing a Conversation Topic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to know when learning how to improve conversation skills is how to choose a topic to talk about. Here are the key rules of thumb to follow when choosing a conversation topic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It\u2019s always best to keep to topics you and all the other participants all appreciate and understand.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Bring up past topics of conversation if you\u2019ve met before so you can continue to build your relationship based on existing rapport.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Avoid bringing up topics that make people uncomfortable or cause controversy, as the resulting division of opinions may ruin the interaction.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>When a person tells you something personal about themselves, reciprocate by offering up details about yourself. Anytime we share personal information, we make ourselves vulnerable to the other person. Therefore, if someone has just shared something and you stay silent, you leave the level of vulnerability unbalanced. The other person might feel like the relationship is one-sided.&nbsp;<\/li><li>At the same time, don\u2019t spend <em>too<\/em> much time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-talk-about-yourself\/\">talking about yourself<\/a> or your problems. If you want people to like you, keep the conversation centered around the other person.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-talking-strangers\"><strong>Talking Strangers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When people first meet each other, they usually ask two questions: \u201cWhere are you from?\u201d and \u201cWhat do you do?\u201d Normally, they each respond with fact-based answers\u2014for example, \u201cI\u2019m from New York and I\u2019m an engineer.\u201d But this sort of answer shuts down a conversation\u2014if your conversation partner\u2019s never been to New York or knows nothing about engineering, they won\u2019t know how to continue the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, practice extending your responses to these two questions in a way that stimulates a response\u2014by using interesting facts, jokes, or general observations. This requires coming up with different variations depending on who you\u2019re talking to and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/social-context\/\">social context<\/a> you\u2019re in. If you\u2019re seeking to make friends, keep your responses fun and general. For example, \u201cI\u2019m from X\u2014where they make the best goat\u2019s cheese in the world.\u201d If you\u2019re talking to them for networking purposes, consider what interest this person could have in you or your work and include that in your response. For example, \u201cI\u2019m an engineer and have been working on X for the past two years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re struggling to come up with stimulating ways to respond to these two questions, reframe your answer to <a href=\"https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/7-ways-to-respond-to-the-worst-small-talk-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">divert the conversation to topics you\u2019d prefer to talk about<\/a>. For example, respond to \u201cWhere are you from?\u201d by saying, \u201cI\u2019m from X but I moved to Y because Z.\u201d Respond to \u201cWhat do you do?\u201d with \u201cI work in X but lately I\u2019ve been spending my time doing Y because Z. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-do-you-spend-your-time\/\">How do you spend your time<\/a> off?\u201d This diversion tactic lets you avoid unwanted questions and it helps you to move the conversation to topics you\u2019ll find more comfortable and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to Keep the Conversation Going<\/strong><br><br>Even if you\u2019ve chosen an interesting, uncontroversial, and appropriate subject to talk about, it\u2019s easy to run out of things to say during a conversation. This is especially true when it comes to conversations with new friends, as you don\u2019t have an established rapport.&nbsp;<br><br>One way to prevent conversations from fizzling out is by asking open-ended follow-up questions that encourage the other person to keep sharing details about themselves. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-fine-art-of-small-talk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Fine Art of Small Talk<\/em><\/a>, Debra Fine discusses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-fine-art-of-small-talk\/1-page-summary#step-3-keep-the-conversation-going\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">several themes that make great follow-up questions<\/a>:&nbsp;<br><br>&#8211; Ask the other person to expand on anything they\u2019ve mentioned so far in the conversation.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Ask them about what they\u2019re wearing, especially any item with an insignia that suggests they\u2019re a member of a group or society.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Ask them about their achievements and successes, particularly those that they\u2019ve highlighted themselves.<br>&#8211; Ask them about their relationship to the location or the event where you\u2019ve met. What brought them there? Who else do they know there?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class='book-template'>\nTITLE: How to Talk to Anyone<br>\nAUTHOR: Leil Lowndes<br>\nTIME: 17<br>\nREADS: 154.6<br>\nIMG_URL: https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/how-to-talk-to-anyone-cover.png<br>\nBOOK_SUMMARYURL: how-to-talk-to-anyone-summary-leil-lowndes<br>\nAMZN_ID: XYZ<br>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-active-listening\"><strong>Active Listening<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another important conversation sub-skill is the ability to<em> listen actively<\/em>. According to Debra Fine, the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-fine-art-of-small-talk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Fine Art of Small Talk<\/em><\/a>, <strong>active listening involves three elements:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-giving-visual-cues\"><strong>1. Giving Visual Cues<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When you listen to someone, you should use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/body-language-crucial-conversations\/\">body language<\/a> to communicate your interest and engagement.<strong> <\/strong>Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/act-as-if\/\">Act as if<\/a> there were no distractions in the room.<\/strong> Fine suggests you face your partner openly and directly and smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Nod, make eye contact, and stay focused on the speaker.<\/strong> If you have trouble maintaining eye contact, Fine suggests you look at the space between their eyes instead of directly at them; your partner won\u2019t be able to tell the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Be aware of what your body language implies.<\/strong> Don\u2019t cross your arms and legs, place your hands on your hips, or rest your chin in your hand. Don\u2019t fidget or keep your head down. Fine notes that these signs are typically interpreted as implying boredom, disinterest, disagreement, or hostility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-giving-verbal-cues\"><strong>2. Giving Verbal Cues<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Verbal cues add to the reassurance provided by visual cues. Verbally indicating that you\u2019re present and aware encourages your partner to keep speaking. You can use verbal cues to show you understand, agree, disagree, or want to hear more. For example, you can say: \u201cHmm, I see&#8230;\u201d \u201cWhat makes you feel that way?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use verbal cues to transition to another topic. For example, you can say: \u201cThat reminds me: I\u2019ve heard that\u2026 What do you think about that?\u201d or \u201cSince you\u2019re an engineer, I wonder if you could explain&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One helpful verbal cue is to paraphrase and repeat. This technique lets you clarify that you understood the other person correctly, or helps them recognize where you misunderstood what they were trying to say.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some common ways to paraphrase and repeat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cWait, you mean he <em>actually said<\/em> that he doesn\u2019t care what you think?\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cSo, it\u2019s the <em>left<\/em> outlet you want me to plug it into?\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cSir, I just want to be sure: You\u2019re asking me to order seven <em>thousand<\/em> copies?\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-the-mental-component-of-listening\"><strong>3. The Mental Component of Listening<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, remember that giving visual and verbal cues that <em>suggest <\/em>you\u2019re listening isn\u2019t enough: You have to actually listen, too. Listening is your job in the conversation, and it isn\u2019t optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find your mind often wanders while others are meandering through a sentence, try keeping your brain engaged by focusing on <em>more<\/em> than just the speaker\u2019s words: Watch their body language\u2014their face, eyes, posture, and tone of voice\u2014can you tell how they feel about the topic? Weigh the evidence of their points; is the logic sound? Think ahead, and try to guess where the speaker\u2019s thought is going. Finally, review the highlights of the conversation so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class='book-template'>\nTITLE: The Fine Art of Small Talk<br>\nAUTHOR: Debra Fine<br>\nTIME: 45<br>\nREADS: 225.3<br>\nIMG_URL: https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/the-fine-art-of-small-talk-cover.png<br>\nBOOK_SUMMARYURL: the-fine-art-of-small-talk-summary-debra-fine<br>\nAMZN_ID: XYZ<br>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nonverbal-communication\"><strong>Nonverbal Communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last (but not least) conversation sub-skill we\u2019ll discuss is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/power-of-nonverbal-communication\/\">nonverbal communication<\/a>. According to Olivia Fox Cabane, the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-charisma-myth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Charisma Myth<\/em><\/a>, you should <strong>move slowly and deliberately<\/strong>, like benevolent royalty. The fewer movements you make, the more confident, in control, and authoritative you\u2019ll seem. Restless fidgeting makes you seem distracted and agitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She also recommends that you <strong>mirror the body language of your interlocutor.<\/strong> By mirroring, you subconsciously communicate familiarity and intimacy, earning the other person\u2019s trust. But make sure your mirroring is subtle: If people notice you mirroring their body language, they may accuse you of trying to manipulate them. A good rule of thumb is to stick to movements that feel instinctively right\u2014don\u2019t force anything. Note that if you\u2019re already feeling connected to your conversation partner, you may find yourself mirroring automatically. This is a less risky, more natural form of mirroring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, maintain <strong>mindful eye contact.<\/strong> Many people feel uncomfortable staring into someone else\u2019s eyes for an extended period of time, but by pushing through the discomfort, you can forge deep connections. That said, if your eye contact is too intense, it may come across as threatening. To avoid this, use a mirror to practice looking with a soft focus\u2014relax your eyes to create a feeling of warmth. Also, avoid staring for too long. On average, people<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inc.com\/abigail-tracy\/eye-contact-too-much-or-too-little.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> make eye contact for 7 to 10 seconds at a time in a one-on-one conversation and 3 to 5 seconds at a time in a group<\/a>. Making more eye contact than that can easily<a href=\"https:\/\/socialpronow.com\/blog\/confident-eye-contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> come across as aggressive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class='book-template'>\nTITLE: The Charisma Myth<br>\nAUTHOR: Olivia Fox Cabane<br>\nTIME: 12<br>\nREADS: 86.4<br>\nIMG_URL: https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/the-charisma-myth-cover.png<br>\nBOOK_SUMMARYURL: the-charisma-myth-summary-olivia-fox-cabane<br>\nAMZN_ID: XYZ<br>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-conversation-opportunities\"><strong>Finding Conversation Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you understand the basics of learning how to improve conversation skills, let\u2019s discuss some easy ways to find conversation opportunities:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-and-take-notice-of-visual-gimmicks\"><strong>Use and Take Notice of Visual Gimmicks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the easiest way to start conversations is to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/grab-attention\/\">draw attention<\/a> to yourself by wearing or carrying something unusual, such as a unique brooch or a colorful shirt. This gives people an excuse to approach you and gives you something to talk about. Likewise, pay attention to what those around you are wearing or carrying so that you have an excuse to approach them. Using a complimentary phrase such as, \u201cWow, I love your shoes! Where are they from?\u201d not only helps you to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-initiate-a-conversation\/\">start a conversation<\/a>, but it also shows others that you\u2019re interested in them and what they have to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use situational cues as an excuse to strike up a conversation. For example, if music is playing, ask them if they know the artist or if they like the song. If there is food or drink, ask them what they\u2019ve tried and what they\u2019d recommend. If you\u2019re outside, make a comment about the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ask-for-introductions\"><strong>Ask for Introductions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another effective way to approach new people is to ask mutual acquaintances to make introductions for you. Before they introduce you, ensure that they\u2019ll pad out these introductions with a few details, such as the new person\u2019s hobbies or interests, so that you have the opportunity to show your interest and start a discussion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, if your acquaintances are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/always-busy\/\">too busy<\/a> to introduce you, ask them for information so that you can find a shared interest to use as an icebreaker. With this information, you can easily approach someone new using a variation of the following line: \u201cHey, I was just talking to \u2026 and she told me that you \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-words\"><strong>Final Words<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people struggle to make a good conversation. As a result, they miss out on enjoying opportunities that spring from social and professional relationships. Luckily, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-have-a-good-conversation\/\">having a good conversation<\/a> is not rocket science: You can learn how to improve conversation skills, and when you do, the quality of your relationships and your effectiveness in your career will improve dramatically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you enjoyed our article on how to improve conversation skills, check out the following suggestions for further reading:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>How to Win Friends and Influence People<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How to Win Friends and Influence People<\/em> is one of the best-selling books of all time. It contains universal principles of interacting with other people to get them to like you and have them see your way of thinking. This isn\u2019t about manipulation\u2014it\u2019s about sincerely approaching people, believing they\u2019re important, and treating them likewise. Learn how to improve conversation skills, how to make other people feel important, and how to change other people\u2019s minds without offending them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/difficult-conversations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Difficult Conversations<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Difficult conversations are a constant throughout life, at work, at home, and in the world. We never outgrow them, or get a promotion that saves us from them, or meet a person who\u2019s so perfect for us we never have to have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But difficult conversations, if we engage in them successfully, are the mark of a healthy relationship. In fact, the success and survival of any relationship, business or personal, depends on the ability of those involved to master difficult conversations. <em>Difficult Conversations<\/em> will help you ask for that raise, bring up issues with your spouse, understand your kids better, and get to the bottom of your feud with your neighbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/crucial-conversations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Crucial Conversations<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poorly handling crucial conversations \u2014 discussions with high stakes, different opinions, and strong emotions \u2014 is the cause of many of our most painful problems in work and home life. These stressful conversations can rapidly go awry, with people behaving at their worst &#8211; yelling at each other and sniping sarcastically, or on the other side going silent and withdrawing. When this happens, little progress is made, and resentment builds. Moreover, we often deliberately avoid having these conversations because we\u2019re afraid we\u2019ll make matters worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Crucial Conversations<\/em> teaches you an array of dialogue principles and practical skills, explained and demonstrated through numerous examples. After this book, you\u2019ll be able to talk to anyone about virtually any topic, no matter how sensitive. When you learn to handle crucial conversations effectively, the quality of your relationships and your effectiveness in your career will improve dramatically, and you\u2019ll be able to help get everybody what they want.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you struggle with talking to people? Do you want to know how to improve your conversation skills? Conversation skills are well worth developing because our careers, romantic prospects, and social lives depend on connecting with other people. Conversations\u2014even the most trivial, small talk\u2014establish the emotional tone of our interactions and help us gauge how deeply we\u2019d like to connect with each other. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to learn how to improve your conversation skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":18967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,9,43],"tags":[452],"class_list":["post-85753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication","category-psychology","category-self-improvement","tag-guides","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Improve Conversation Skills: Tips From Pros - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Having a good conversation is not rocket science. 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In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to improve your conversation skills in three key areas.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Shortform Books\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-12-01T20:21:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-12-06T20:22:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/wordpress.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-change-someones-mind-influence-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Darya Sinusoid\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Darya Sinusoid\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Darya Sinusoid\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0421cce75bc249b11e2517b3a91f9c46\"},\"headline\":\"How to Improve Conversation Skills: Tips From Pros\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-12-01T20:21:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-12-06T20:22:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\"},\"wordCount\":2394,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-change-someones-mind-influence-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Guides\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Communication\",\"Psychology\",\"Self-Improvement\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/\",\"name\":\"How to Improve Conversation Skills: Tips From Pros - Shortform Books\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-conversation-skills\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-change-someones-mind-influence-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-12-01T20:21:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-12-06T20:22:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"Having a good conversation is not rocket science. 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