Most of us would like to learn how to have better conversations with those around us. We would like the awkward conversations to be less awkward. We would like the great ones to be more frequent. For people who know Jesus Christ, we want these great conversations even more because our words are the primary means of coming together, and we are destined for an eternity of fine conversations.
The problem is that if asked, most of us would have no plan for how to improve our conversation skills. We have goals for our weight and physical exercise but not for what occupies more time than anything else in our day. If you don’t have ideas on how you can improve your conversation skills, you won’t.
1. Recognize that starting a conversation is half the battle.
“Thank you for …” “I was thinking about you this week, …” “Any plans for the summer?” “What kept you busy this week?”
Don’t be preoccupied with what you will say next.
Be more interested in what the other person is saying. What is most important to him or her? Pay attention to what is felt deeply.
Identify someone who is skilled in conversations.
What is one
