Tips for Good Conversation
- Do not talk about questionable and unpleasant things.
- Avoid sounding like a know-it-all. Guest’s opinions count too.
- Be careful about giving advice which has not been requested.
- Avoid using sarcasm to try to get your point across.
- Avoid gossiping, because it shows poor taste.
- Do not be oversensitive (this blocks good communication).
- Avoid bragging. Don’t talk only about you, your ministry, and your family.
- To avoid meaningless, boring conversations, keep current on world events.
- Avoid the tendency to bore others with the same stories.
- Use discretion when talking about your past misfortunes, illnesses, and surgeries.
- Be a good listener and be genuinely interested in others.
- Be teachable (teachability-the opposite of pride).
- Be accepting as you listen to others. When a person does not feel accepted, he will not want to communicate.
- Avoid using jargon to try to impress others.
- When you receive a compliment, say” Thank you” Do not try to justify or make excuse; receive it with dignity.
- Avoid asking questions about prices and the cost of items.
- Avoid inquiring about a person’s age (Except inquiring about a child’s age; they don’t mind telling you).
- Do not make fun of someone else’s nationality.
- Do not correct another person’s story or happening.
Congratulations on blogging for 1 month! It has been a great source of encouragement and information. Once again a most timely article. After moving to a new state and settling in a new church my Ladies Sunday School Class is coming tonight for a “Devotion and Desserts”. I needed a refresher course on what to and not to say especially given the fact these are women I am getting to know and not at this moment close friends.
Keep them coming!
Would you mind sharing some of your best conversation starters or topics when you have time? Thank you!
I just read this article, and was so pleased with your clear and thoughtful presentation on this very needed subject! We are studying the book of Proverbs in our Ladies’ Sunday School Class and this is exactly what I was looking for when we cover the tongue and its use. Every point given has been violated by people that I come in contact with on a weekly basis! We take for granted that people know how to engage in good conversation, and that they apply these principles-but nothing could be further from the truth! Thank you once again for your common sense, practical approach to that need! Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (A verse I remember you teaching us during my teen years)
Praise the Lord that these articles can be a blessing to you. That is my whole purpose for starting the blog. I love you and continue to pray for you always.
Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”