Good Conversation Every Time When You Avoid 6 Common Mistakes
There are six common ways that people ruin a good conversation.
You need to be aware of them to ensure you avoid these common
mistakes:
1. Blah, Blah, Blah.
The Blabbermouth is the number one enemy of the good
conversation. The other party soon tunes out. Never letting the
other person get a word in, the word hog just continues talking.
People who get paid to give talks run the risk of becoming a
blabbermouth. It's an occupational hazard of becoming a good
speaker, to forget about the listening part of a conversation.
2. Me, too!
Someone innocently starts a topic. The other person basically
grabs the ball and runs with it. (Or you might say runs at the
mouth with it.) You might mention that you just saw a great
movie. The 'me, too' talker will say: "Oh, really? I saw the new
Sci-Fi flick..."
Then 'me, too' starts to describe the movie he or she saw,
leaving you high and dry with your conversation starter. This is
something you might expect from time to time from with a child,
but you hope that an adult, with good conversation skills won't
drive others away with such annoying behavior. 3. Take My
Advice.
At the drop of a hint of a problem, this person is quick to
offer advice. They are like a damn about to burst unless they
can find someone to dispatch their most needed advice in the
world. More men tend to ruin a good conversation with this bad
habit then women. Both men and women do it, though.
There is nothing more annoying then talking to someone who
suddenly turns into one of your parents. If you have a bad habit
of doing this and are wisely trying to break it, let the person
finish what they were saying. Then you can ask if they wanted an
opinion or just wanted to express themselves.
Chances are they have probably already thought of a solution and
just needed a sounding board. Don't offer advice unless asked
for it, is still a good motto. 4. We now interrupt this program,
because we are rude.
Interrupting before your conversation partner has had a chance
to finish their thought is annoying. It shows that you think
what you have to say is much more important than what the other
person is saying.
5. Contradiction.
A good conversation doesn't play the 'I'm right so you should be
wrong' game. A better way is to let the person finish. Then say,
" I have a different view than yours. I'll explain..." If you've
allowed the other person a chance to explain their viewpoint,
they are more likely to listen to yours.
6. Minimal Contributions Only.
There is a big difference between active listening and someone
who only takes from a conversation, but never offers anything.
It's hard to trust someone who expects you to contribute
personal information while they sit quietly, with a minimum of
contribution.