carwreck.com: around Boston harbor...

People don't talk to me. I'm not sure why, but I look around me at all the people who are talking, and I am at a complete loss for how to do it. I guess I have a pretty decent grasp of the English language, but I certainly can't formulate words into sentences and conversations like most people. This happened to strike me this evening when I was out at the local tavern. I felt like whenever I tried to contribute to what was being talked about, everyone became quiet. Was I committing the heinous act of uttering a conversation stopping comment? It sure seemed like it to me.

i totally hear you. this often times happens to me. it used to be that i wouldn't even talk because i was afraid of stopping the conversation. it's one of my biggest fears. maybe we should practice by having conversations together. :)

Me three.

See? Nobody else is talking.

Dude, you're a great conversationalist. However, there are two techniques that I know of that, if practiced, I guarantee will make you more comfortable and a better talker in group settings.

1) First, the trick is not knowing how to talk, it's knowing how to listen. All you have to do is pay attention and show an interest in what's being said. People who love to talk need good listeners. Sooner or later the topic will swing around to something that triggers a relevant idea or anecdote or story that you can easily insert into the flow without missing a beat. You just have to be patient.

2) Secondly, ask lots of questions. Getting people to talk about themselves is a win-win because it secures your involvement in the conversation and it makes the speaker feel good by showing you have an interest in what s/he is saying.

Practice these two techniques and I guarantee you'll end up participating in more conversations than you may ever want. Try it and see.

- A

Came across this site while googling Carwreck Conversations (something I have every now and then with people) - interesting. It is seems like a relevent phrase given the posts here as well. Turns out there is an album called that as well - and it looks like the guy who recorded it is coming to Boston. How coincidental is that?
Though judging from the date on these posts - it may be a mute point any more.