1. The document discusses the importance of developing strong conversation skills for success in both personal and professional settings. It emphasizes that polite conversation that advances your career is different than casual conversation with friends. 2. Some key aspects of developing strong conversation skills include actively listening to others without interrupting, making eye contact, assuming others mean what they say, and expressing your own views in a positive manner. 3. Conversations can be broken into three parts - small talk, moving to more substantive topics, and finding mutual understanding. Mastering each part is an important aspect of developing strong conversation skills.

1. The Art of Conversation
So, you want to make lots of money and be at the top of your field? A very large portion of obtaining
and maintaining a good career is your ability to successfully interact with your colleagues and superiors.
Good social skills are important in most, if not all, professions.
“But, Mr. Klauber, I already know how to converse.” I’m sure you do. Most seniors are good at
conversing. However, polite conversation that will really get you ahead in life is much different than
your typical modes of conversing with your friends.
The key word here is DISCOURSE. Discourse refers to the audience and situation you find yourself in
which will invariably alter the way you communicate. Think about it, you likely do not speak in the
same way to 83 year old Grandma Bertha the same way you do your with your best friend.
Maintaining polite conversation while sounding natural and comfortable is a difficult skill to master and,
like anything else, requires practice.
The following is a helpful guide to succeeding in the art of conversation, and thereby, life in general.
To begin, here are two general rules:
1. Always, always, always make an effort to engage people with genuinely good eye contact. It is
so rare these days that people often appreciate it more than you expect.
2. Wait for people to finish their sentences and listen to what they are saying instead of waiting
for your turn to speak. If all you are waiting for is a chance to interject, you will inevitably
interrupt and quite possibly offend the person you are with.
The Art of Conversation
1. Always say what you think, not what you think others want you to say. Especially in a professional
setting, learning to express your views and ideas in a positive, non-threatening manner will invite
reactions and responses.
Effective leaders always say what they are thinking and express their ideas freely. The art of
conversation is based on being yourself.
2. Listen carefully to what others are saying. People often interpret things said by others in a way that
clouds their ability to hear what people are intending to say.
By giving your full attention to the speaker, you can hear what they intend for you to hear instead of
what you want to hear. Remember, the art of conversation includes the ability to listen to others as well
as the ability to speak effectively.
3. Always assume that a speaker is saying exactly what they mean to say. Even if it seems unclear, try
to find meaning and coherence to the words they are saying and give them the respect of hearing what
they want you to hear.

2. In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as important as receiving it. The art of
conversation is a give and take between parties, not one speaker and one listener.
4. The art of conversation can be broken down into three parts.
I. The first part is small talk. Small talk is dictated by social rules and includes polite greetings,
inquiries about the well-being of others, etc.
II. Stage two is the end of the small talk and moving on to the purpose of the conversation such
as business, the sharing of opinions and personal views.
Without the ability to express yourself efficiently, the conversation can easily slip back into
small talk, lessening the chances of accomplishing the initial goal of the conversation.
III. The third part of a conversation is where the various ideas and views expressed can be
merged into a satisfying end for all parties involved in the conversation.
The art of conversation is a learned skill that is common among successful, energetic people. If you
are unable to effectively express yourself in any situation, you will likely find that you do not attract the
attention and command the respect that is bestowed upon some others.
How To Develop Great Conversation Skills
While engaging in conversations with friends and co-workers, how often do you feel that the other person has
truly heard what you've said? If not, you need to develop your conversation skills.
If you want to succeed in social settings, relationships, and business, one way to ensure your success is to be
a great listener and to master conversation skills.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to help you become a better listener, therefore enhancing your
conversation skills.
1. Stop talking.
It sounds very simplistic but if you are constantly talking, how can others express themselves? Make an effort
to shift the focus of the conversation to the other person.
There is more to conversation skills than talking...
Be aware of your own body language. Match the other person's body language by leaning forward when they
lean forward, etc.
Attention to small details will give the person you are speaking with a feeling that you truly hear what they are
saying and that you are genuinely interested in their opinions. This is a secret of good conversation skills.
2. Pay attention to the tone of your voice.
Even if you are only giving brief answers or asking short questions, the tone of your voice plays a major part in

3. communicating effectively and displaying good conversation skills.
If your tone suggests a condescending attitude, boredom, or anger, you will lose your audience and people
will no longer want to spend time speaking with you or listening to what you have to say.
Superior conversation skills are based on mutual respect.
A respectful, preferably friendly tone will allow you to communicate efficiently and earn you the respect of
others.
3. In order to move the conversation forward, ask questions to clarify or invite additional information.
Questions indicate that you are fully attentive to what is being said and that you have a real interest in the
speaker's views.
Give your full attention to the speaker. When you show others that you want to hear them, they will
automatically grant you the same courtesy. Do this and your conversation skills will improve.
4. Engage in light, pleasant conversation as often as you engage in meaningful, direct conversation.
If you always guide the conversation in the direction of achieving your goal, you will leave the impression of
distance and a superior attitude. This is not a hallmark of great conversation skills.
People want to feel appreciated and unique. Make a point to address each person you encounter and do so in
a positive, friendly manner. Conversation skills include treating others as you would like to be treated.
Good conversation skills include much more than simply speaking with others. Listening, good body language,
questioning, pleasantries, and mutual respect are important elements in any conversation and are also
personality traits exhibited by successful people.