Tonya Reiman

Keep the conversation going Is there any worse feeling than running out of conversation a few minutes after meeting a new person? Over the years I have participated in several dating bootcamps and I am always astonished to note how difficult it is to keep up small talk. My very good neighbor has always reminded me that people LOVE to talk about themselves…. Show curiosity and genuine interest in others and they will typically keep the conversation going (as long as it surrounds them). How do you show curiosity and interest? Smile at appropriate times, tilt your head, nod as they speak, look them in the eyes. Other tidbits to keep up the conversation: Restate what they have told you in your own words -- "you mean to say Sarah did …….." Be able to discuss your job in an easy an interesting way (practice a 3 minute breakdown of what you do for a living (keep in mind, stay at home moms have a job as well). Always find a way to subtly remind others of your name (to break any discomfort if they have forgotten it) -- tell a story "my husband just said the other day"Tonya, have you seen blah, blah blah…..": Finally, know when to say goodbye -- if there is silence for more than 20 seconds, it's time to say goodbye. Don't wait for the silence to become awkward or you'll both walk away feeling ill at ease about the encounter. End on a positive note…. "Well, I'd better get going, tons of things to get finished…."