GREENSBORO, N.C. — Feeling stuck in a conversation rut? We all know those situations - stuck at a work event, family gathering, or even the dentist's office - where you and the person next to you seem to come from different planets.
A common mistake people make when talking to someone new is focusing too much on finding shared interests. The problem is that the conversation can turn into an interrogation to find common ground.
Instead of asking a million questions to find a common interest, shift your focus and show curiosity about the person. Ask open-ended questions to find out what makes them tick. Listen closely to their answers because then you might find unexpected connections.
If the conversation lulls, don't panic. Use your surroundings as conversation starters. Neutral topics can spark new conversation points.
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