How To Be More Talkative – 10 Tips to Open Up Socially

Do you have a hard time finding something to talk about with people?

In social situations, are you always sitting in silence because you don’t know what to say?

We have all been there!

Nevertheless, communication is an important skill everyone should practice. It’s not only essential for your relationships, but it can make or break them as well.

In today’s article, we will share with you the best tips on how to be more talkative and find things that interest you so that you’ll never be at a loss for words again.

Let’s get into it!

Tip #1 – Preparation Goes a Long Way

The simplest way to start a conversation is by being prepared with something to talk about. Sure, spontaneity is great if you can pull it off, but we all need some help initially.

When you’re not sure what to say, it’s easy to come off as uninterested, and your conversation skills will suffer for it.

So, before entering social settings, make sure you know what you want to talk about with the people you are about to meet! This way, you’ll be more confident and less anxious when trying to strike up a conversation.

As you get yourself out of your comfort zone and talk with more people, you’ll start getting the hang of this naturally. Then, ideas will start coming to you on their own!

Tip #2 – Positive Attitude is Key

Having negative thoughts is normal, but try not to let them consume you when talking to someone else. Negativity is draining, and you want to avoid constantly complaining or messing with the positive energy of the group.

Naturally, you will have days when you feel down and need a serious conversation with a friend. That is a legitimate exception.

What we are talking about is doing your best to remain positive by:

Practicing gratitude in everyday life.
Doing your best to focus on the silver lining in every situation.
Making yourself and others laugh more.
Surrounding yourself with positive people.

If you feel yourself getting negative, try turning the conversation towards a more positive note. If possible, inject humor into the conversation so that you can create moments of lightheartedness and fun instead!

Tip #3 – Let People Talk About Themselves

People love talking about themselves, and you should take advantage of this fact! When you’re trying to think of things to say, bring up a topic that will make the other person feel good by complimenting them or telling a story that involves them.

Ask them about their interests or hobbies, and go from there! It will even help you bond faster as you show that you care about them and are a great listener.

In general, people will feel more at ease if they’re talking about themselves, so this is your chance to shine. Put the spotlight on them, listen carefully, and ask meaningful questions when the opportunity arises!

How do I go from being quiet to talkative?

Tip #4 – Be Patient with Less Talkative People

While being talkative can benefit your social life, you have to remember that not everyone is as outgoing or talkative as you may be.

Some people might take longer to warm up, so try being patient with them and wait for them to bring something up instead of trying to force it.

If you notice someone getting quiet, don’t be too hard on yourself or others for this. They simply may not feel like talking at the moment!

If all else fails, try talking about a common interest between the two of you to break the ice.

Tip #5 – Listen Attentively

It’s a lot easier to talk about yourself than it is to listen, but this will help you out in the long run if you apply it! Being a good listener shows that you’re interested in what others have to say, and they’ll appreciate your effort.

When you’re talking to someone, the best way to show that you’re interested is by being attentive and focused on what they have to say. Ask questions or follow up on a topic they bring up to show your interest in them!

Remember what you hear and make sure to fully understand what the other person is trying to say. If you feel like you are not following their thoughts well, ask for clarification, and they will definitely appreciate it.

Tip #6 – Get Out of Your Silent Zone

You know all those times when you’re in some social setting, and you don’t know what to say?

You end up sitting there in silence because you don’t want to be rude, but then no one else starts a conversation either.

This is excruciating for everyone involved, so try your best not to let this happen! Make a conscious effort not to stay silent for long periods of time. Here are a few quick tips on how to do that:

Ask questions. It may sound simple, but it is the easiest way to start a conversation.
Never give one-word answers. When people try to talk to you, make sure to engage in the conversation.
Don’t be afraid to tell an interesting story if an opportunity arises. It may seem uncomfortable to be the center of attention, but you will get the hang of it after a few times!

Tip #7 – Be Genuine at All Times

You don’t want to force yourself to talk about things that you don’t actually care about, nor do you want only to discuss safe and boring topics. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone, and it’s not worth trying to force this.

Instead, try talking about things you genuinely care about and be yourself in the process. If you seem to be having fun and enjoying yourself, others will pick up on your energy and have a better time too!

Tip #8 – Watch Your Body Language

Do you know that saying about how more than half of communication is body language?

Well, that’s super true, and most people pick up on these signs quickly. Make sure that your face isn’t all scrunched up or tense and that you’re actually making eye contact with the person speaking.

If you feel nervous and can’t seem to take control of your body language, excuse yourself from the conversation so that you have time to compose yourself:

Relax your facial muscles and try not to look tense.
Pull your shoulders back and lift your chest up slightly.
Avoid crossing your arms since that means you are trying to distance yourself from the situation around you.
Smile and start talking with the person next to you!

Tip #9 – Take Control of the Conversation

When you’re talking to someone, make sure that they know you are involved. For example:

If someone says something rather interesting, take this chance to show your interest and use it as a springboard to ask more questions or talk about another related topic!

If there isn’t an opening for you to say something at the moment, make sure the other person knows that you’re interested by nodding or responding with an “mmhmm.” This will give them a chance to elaborate more on that topic, which will allow you to put your listening skills to good use.

Tip #10 – Be Open-Minded & Responsive

Just because someone doesn’t agree with you on a particular view, it doesn’t mean they’re wrong or crazy!

You never know when you might be able to learn something new, and every social situation is a potential opportunity to do it. So try your best to keep an open mind and let others speak without cutting them off.

Also, be open to discussion. Standing your ground and explaining your views is a wonderful way to engage more in the conversations, as long as you are not overly confrontational.

Conversations are great opportunities to grow as a person, and learning how to be more talkative will go a long way in helping you do that!

Conclusion

Being an enthusiastic and engaging person will not only make you more likable, but it’s also the key to always having something to talk about.

Since talking comes naturally to some people, it can be challenging for others to understand how to act when in social settings. However, these aren’t bad things since this means that you have room for improvement.

Take the advice in this article and practice, practice, practice until you get it right! Soon enough, you’ll become an expert at holding conversations, and it’ll come so easily to you that others won’t even know what hit them.

For further reading, please check out our other related articles, such as:

See you in the next post!