How to Have More meaningful conversation? 5 Tips

Introduction 

Meaningful conversation is key to fulfillment and having clarity in every aspect of life.

Whether you’re attending a job interview, or talking to a neighbor about this year’s Thanksgiving, you must know how to make it effective.

Although communication is something we acquire from our social surroundings, there’s a chance of making mindless mistakes, giving the other person the wrong idea. Or you may not reach the desired outcome with a conversation.

5 Tips on a Meaningful Conversation

Through this article, we have discussed five important aspects of a meaningful conversation and how to make it better.

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Holding a meaningful conversation is up to you. It requires taking charge of the conversation by knowing what to ask and how to continue.

Whether you want to know what a person is up to or simply want to bond with someone, it’s best to ask open-ended questions.

Normally, there are many conversation starters and small talk queries that end with a simple “yes” or “no” from the other side. But you can ask the other person an open-ended question.

It’s about avoiding the obvious questions and asking answers that’ll make someone ponder upon a thought. Here’s a quick example:

What was your childhood like?

What excites you most about the job you do?

2. Actively Listen

A meaningful conversation is just as about hearing the other person as it is about talking. An active listener can get more information from the other person than constantly interrupting them.

It helps to pay close attention when they are talking about their personal stories, the things they enjoy and about that one time when they chartered a private jet.

Observe verbal and nonverbal cues including nodding, body language, and ask follow up questions letting them further elaborate.

The best technique to uncover more about a speaker is by avoiding any interruption or formulating a reply. It’s best not to formulate your responses too quickly. Play close attention to the details they are diving into and the things they are subtly avoiding.

3. Show Genuine Interest

A genuine conversation isn’t all words. It’s a mix of affirming, listening, empathizing, and responding to the other person’s verbal and non-verbal cues.

Let’s say that you are talking to someone about their past work experiences. You can follow them as they elaborate on the different propjets, they were part of, and the hands-on experience they had during the time.

You can let them explain even further by asking to follow up questions regarding a specific something they mentioned. If they mentioned receiving an award, you can ask them how their experience was.

4. Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

No, a meaningful conversation isn’t all about listening as well. It’s an equilibrium of how much you’re giving to the other person as well. In a one-on-one conversation, it’s best not to interrupt when the other person is speaking.

Likewise, it’s also recommended that you share your own experience that falls under the same context.

If you are discussing business tours and trips, you can also share your experience of “that one time when…”

Take your turn sharing your personal story that helps you connect with the other person. It helps when you want to make the conversation benefit both the parties by sharing valuable information and stories shared.

5. Mindful Body Language & Tone Matters

Always remember what a conversation is all about. Are you trying to connect with someone on a personal level? Or is it a formal conversation where you’re interviewing an individual for a job role?

Depending on the goal of a conversation, you must set your tone, body language and your mannerism for how you talk.

Let’s say that you’re inviting your neighbor for a celebration at home, in that case your tone needs to be friendly and welcoming. But, if you are talking to someone during an interview, it’s all about maintaining a formal boundary and professional body language.

Your tone, pitch, and body languages show how you’re handling an emotion, and each conversation is linked with some form of emotion. That’s why it’s important to know the tone and body language appropriate for a specific conversation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a meaningful conversation starts with understanding the context. Always know your surroundings, the environmental setting, and the person you’re talking to. You can follow the tips we have shared through this article to make a conversation more fulfilling.