How To: Keeping a conversation flowing

Marie Dubuque offers tips on keeping a conversation flowing and avoiding awkward silences. She suggests asking the other person about themselves. Everyone loves to talk about themselves, and sometimes if you ask one question they go on and on. Ask about their favorite food, favorite restaurant, how they get along with relatives. Questions about in-laws can lead to some interesting dialog and can get the conversation going better than it was before.

If you ask them about their day, make it a specific question, such as what was the funniest thing that happened, or was there a really memorable conversation they had. Everyone can find something meaningful about their day.

Finally, think of a book or a reality show or something that you can both watch and then talk about it. A really interesting book can make for hours of great conversation.