5 Conversation Tips for Dealing with Awkward People

Any good conversation tips must include reference to things you just should not do. There are some habits that you should put a stop to so you can communicate effectively. People get annoyed and generally avoid those who display bad communication habits, so learning about them and stopping them if you do them is important to good conversation. The following conversation tips explain some habits that people display during conversations. 1. Talking on and on. Also know as a blabbermouth, these people tend to monopolize the conversation. They also are usually reduced to just chattering away with nobody really listening. The key sign of this habit is someone who talks non-stop and will not let pothers speak. These people also never really seem to be talking about anything of interest, just talking about themselves or boring subjects. Most often someone displays this habit because he or she is nervous. To help someone who displays this habit try to make them feel at ease by showing interest in them and asking questions. 2. All about me. Someone who has this habit always turns the conversation into something about them. They use the phrases 'me too' or 'I know how you feel' a lot. The goal for them is to get the attention on them and allow them to speak. Some people may do this because they feel others are monopolizing the conversation or they may simply want attention. To help someone with his problem you can pay attention to them, make them feel like they are a valued member of the conversation. If they try to turn the conversation about them then politely direct it back to the original person. 3. Lectures. We all know someone who is way too willing to give advice. This person always has an answer for any situation. They are most often known as a know it all. They seem to know everything on every topic. They also have a way of making their way the only way to do anything. These people may really believe they are helping, so it is sometimes hard to redirect the conversation away from their lecture. The best way to handle a know it all is to listen and thank them for their advice, then change the subject. When the constantly want to lecture you may want to tell them you are not really looking for advice right now and you would like to handle it your way. Know it alls can be the most difficult habit to handle. 4. Not contributing. These people like to stand around and listen, but not say much. They may interject occasionally, but usually with just a brief sentence or one word answer. They may also never speak, but just use4 body language. The problem here is these people can seem like they are more eavesdropping than conversing and this can make others in the conversation feel awkward. To help someone who does not speak up much is to actively draw them into the conversation. Most often people display this habit because they are shy. 5. Gossip. Everyone has told a juicy piece of gossip at one point or another. Gossip can be rather damaging, especially when it isn't true. This makes many people feel uneasy around someone who is gossiping. Most people gossip because they feel insecure about themselves. They may see others lives as more exciting so they'd rather talk about them. Try asking this person questions about their life. Try to find something they are interested in to draw them away from gossip and into a good conversation. These habits can be annoying at best and conversation stoppers at worse. You should try to improve you communication skills by taking these habits away. If you notice someone else displaying one of these habits you might want to use your new found conversation tips to help them stop.