I almost had to mingle yesterday, and it scared me. It's been too long since I've worked a room, as they say. I decided I'd better brush up on it, and who better to turn to than Brian Tracy:
Many people think that the art of good conversation is to speak in an interesting and arresting fashion, to be noted for your humor, your ability to tell stories, and your general knowledge of a variety of subjects. They must become better talkers.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers. You can lace the conversation with insights, ideas, and opinions, but you perfect the art and skill of conversation by perfecting the art and skill of asking good, well-worded questions that direct the conversation and give other people an opportunity to express themselves.
