Knowing how to talk to others is an essential skill if you’re looking to get ahead in the world! Whether it’s in a business meeting, haggling with car dealers, or navigating conversation with some new people, the ability to speak well can really come in handy. Don’t feel like you’ve mastered the art of talking just yet? Check out these simple tips that will have you turning strangers into friends in no time.

Learn to Listen

Conversation is a two-way street and in order to keep everyone engaged, it’s important to give the other person time to speak. Learning to listen can ultimately end up helping a conversation move forward – you’ll be able to offer relevant responses at the appropriate times, and your talking partner will feel respected and interested in speaking with you again.

Focus on Body Language

Observing the non-verbal clues from the person you’re speaking to will help you figure out everything from how the conversation is going to what topics should be avoided. Focus on posture, the level of eye contact, and movement (such as shifting or fidgeting) for help.

Show Empathy

Empathy can’t happen without listening, – just another reason why our first tip is so important when learning how to effectively talk to people. Really take in what others are sharing with you, offer advice if and when appropriate, and try to consider your talking partner’s perspective. Pay close attention to people’s feelings and expressions while you converse, and be sure to reserve any judgments.

Keep an Open Mind

Haggling over the price of that Toyota with your car dealer can sometimes end up leading to disagreements and criticisms! Before jumping the gun and letting your anger get the best of you, try to keep your mind open, LISTEN and keep your voice calm. Tone and volume can make all the difference.

Avoid Over Sharing

When chatting with strangers you want to keep it comfortable, so bringing up that fight with your wife, how irritating your brother is or how much you can’t stand where you work probably isn’t a great idea. You might never see the person you’re talking to again, but what happens if you do? Awk-ward.