there. Looking for conversation tips, are you?

Conversations can be hard work. First you have to break the ice, then you have to try to keep the conversation going, and then you have to try to make an exit that's not awkward. Here are some tips that may help you make the process run smoothly.

First you need to break the ice with a conversation starter. Try commenting on something you and the other person both have in common, like the place you're at. You could also comment on what the other person is reading, eating, etc. "Hi. Is that a cabbage smoothie you're drinking?" Of course, once you start a conversation, you want a way to continue it.

Questions are great for conversation. Get the other person to talk by asking questions such as "What do you like to do for fun?" If he/ she gives only short, one-word answers, ask a question like "And why is that?" or "Like what?" or "In what way?" to keep the conversation going. Don't ask questions that are hard to answer or a little too personal. Listen to what the other person has to say so you can ask questions about what he/ she is talking about. If there is a long awkward pause, you can break the silence by using something the other person was talking about.

Once you run out of things to talk about, and the usual questions like "What do you do for work?" stop working, try asking something unusual, like "What would you do if you were rich?" You can find more unusual conversation topics at www.contopics.com . Try to keep the conversation fun and interesting by using unusual topics.

Use body language. Lean forward to look like you're interested. Watch the other person's body language. If he/ she looks bored or disinterested, maybe it's time to change the subject.

If you use compliments, be careful. Don't draw attention to the person's physical appearance, like his/her hair or eyes. That makes people uncomfortable. It's better to compliment his/her clothes or house or car or job title. It might be better not to give compliments at all.

Dont annoy the other person by interrupting. Just follow the rhythm of conversation and wait until the person finishes making his/her point before you start making yours. And don't ramble on and on about stuff that only you might be interested in. Don't over-dominate the conversation, let the other person have his/her turn to speak.

When the conversation winds down, you can make a graceful exit by saying, "Well, it's been good talking with you. I going to go and do such and such..."

Well, its been good chatting with you. I'm going to go talk to some people now. Later.

About the Author: By Jesse Edwards, author of 100 Highly Unusual Conversation Topics (www.contopics.com) and creator of Mingling Cards, the Ultimate Mix-and-Mingle Party Game (www.minglingcards.com). Copyright 2005 Jesse Edwards.