Conversation is the cement of human relations. If there was no conversation there would be no bonding, no friendship, no science, no religion … and no business.

If you techies are thinking “but we have the internet, why would we need conversation?” –then you have missed the point. And the point is that emails can give convenience but they can never take the place of human interaction as in conversing with one another.

Whenever we meet someone, it is a golden opportunity to build bridges though you can’t be friends with all. If you miss a chance, you can always start over. But how? That’s where we now deal with the art (some say science) of conversation.
First you should be relaxed. That means not to be tensed up. Look at the person with focused attention but do not stare.
Then you should say anything that comes to mind. Of course I don’t mean anything offensive. The point is that almost anything can be a topic to break the ice.

You must always be respectful though.

It’s very simple. Whatever is happening is a topic for discussion- someone reading a book, eating a sandwich, trying a new shirt.

Second, watch how you deliver your lines. Never come on too strong with anybody even those you know. In other words, control your tone.

Thirdly, just let the conversation develop. That means just add onto what is being discussed.

Finally, you have to be mentally flexible to see if your fellow conversationalist is keen to carry on. If so, then the conversation thrives. If not then, just stop.

Talking to other people is one of the best ways to learn things and set down the foundation for a relationship that could go anywhere. You don’t need to know right away where it’s going or what is possible. People’s needs are constantly changing, so even if you can’t envision any potential in that first conversation, you should still always exchange contact information (one more reason to carry your business cards everywhere you go) and stay in touch.

Conversation lays the foundation of building many contacts and it is a very refreshing way o enrich your mind.