Not sure what to talk about at your next networking meeting or cocktail party? The key to easy conversation is getting curious about other people. When you see someone you want to talk to, get curious about who that person is, what s/he likes, who you know in common, what brings the person to the event, etc. Allowing your inquisitive mind to blossom will improve your conversational skills dramatically.

Below, you'll find tips on easy ways to initiate a conversation, keep it going, and exit with grace.

1) Breaking the Ice
If you are on the shy side or feel unsure about what to say, use this simple method to strike up a conversation. Ask a person who looks friendly a question about your shared environment – the party, place, group, or even the food. Questions like:

"Are you a member of this group?"
"The food is fantastic – did you try one of these?"
"What do you think about this conference center?"
"How are you connected to this group?"

Another option is to compliment the person – but make sure your flattery is sincere. Personalize the comment if you can. Instead of just mentioning the item you admire, add something about the person's good taste. For example, "What a nice shirt. You must know what colors look good on you to have picked this out."

2) Dialog Extenders
Next, really listen to what the other person is saying. Sometimes people get caught up worrying about what to say, rather than paying attention to what is being said. Trust me, it's much easier to keep a conversation going if you only have to follow one at a time! When you relax and listen, you can simply pick up where the other person stopped. Here are three ways to do that:

Ask a question about what s/he just said
Put in your own two cents about the topic, then finish up with another question.
Repeat back the last couple of words, with your tone of voice ending on an up note. This indicates a question and lets the other person know you want more details.

This classic "reflective listening" technique acknowledges people and shows that you are listening intently which is very flattering.

3) Deepen the Discussion
To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

4) Exit with Grace
OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to meet someone new. How can you exit? No problem. There are so many simple ways to move on and this is just a few to get you thinking. Be creative and come up a couple of your own as well. Begin with a comment of thanks to indicate a transition. Practice these lines ahead of time so it sounds more natural.

"Thank you so much for this conversation – it's been really fun! Maybe we'll talk again later."
"Thank you for taking the time to share that with me. I'm going to mingle a bit. See you later."
"It's been nice talking with you. I see an old friend over there and I'm going to say hello."

If you got yourself into a conversation, you can get yourself out. Don't be concerned if the other person will feel rejected. Stay upbeat and light-hearted and that's how other people will react to you. Worry about hurting someone's feeling is probably the most likely way to make that a reality. Just assume everyone will be fine and move along when you're ready.

Now that you're armed and ready for conversation, get out there and get started. Chat it up, practice everyday, and have fun! Conversation is a great way to connect with new contacts, make new friends, and expand your world. Enjoy!

Ronnie Ryan
http://www.SuccessExpressCoaching.com