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7 Proven Tactics To Keep A Conversation Going Over Text
7 Proven Tactics To Keep A Conversation Going Over Text
Tip 1: Shift the conversation back to the other person
It’s great to talk about oneself, but a good conversation requires two-way communication. This means that you should preferably be asking and responding questions. If you solely chat about yourself, the person you’re messaging will likely become bored or suspect you’re self-centered.
If your communication has come to a halt, go back and read your most recent messages. If you’ve been talking too much about yourself, ask a question to equalize the conversation. The other person may be waiting for the right moment to discuss something with you.
For example, if someone asked what TV series you watch and you’ve been talking about your favorites for a few minutes, redirect the conversation to them by asking, “And what about you?” “What programs do you never miss?”
Tip 2: Ask open-ended questions
People are more likely to open up and reveal personal information when they are asked open-ended questions. This can make it easier to maintain a discussion. You do not have to utilize open questions all of the time, but they can be quite helpful.
“Do you like rock climbing?” you could inquire. They will most likely respond with “Yes” or “No,” which will not elicit much discussion.
If you offer an open-ended inquiry like, “I’m curious; what do you like to do in your spare time?” you’re more likely to obtain an interesting response. If you asked this question, the other person would have the opportunity to elaborate on their hobbies and interests. Depending on what they like to do, you could wind yourself chatting about a variety of topics.
Closed questions aren’t always undesirable. Consider asking a closed inquiry followed by an open follow-up question. If someone responds “Yes” when asked if they like video games, you could next inquire, “What kind of games do you like to play?”
Tip 3: Avoid giving dry, short answers
If you don’t give the other person much information to work with, your conversation may come to a standstill.
For example, if someone asks you, “What’s your favorite thing to eat?” You’ve answered their query if you said “Sushi,” but you’re still pushing them to do all the work to keep the discussion continuing.
Tip 4: Ask the other person about their day
“How was your day?” or “What did you do today?” may appear to be simple questions, yet they can keep a discussion continuing. Just don’t make it a habit of using these inquiries whenever you can’t think of anything else to say, or you’ll come across as lazy.
Try telling the other individual something pleasant or entertaining about your day initially to make these questions more interesting. Instead of asking, “So, did you have a good day at work?” you may instead, “So, how was your day?” I fixed the photocopier all by myself! I’m still proud of myself:)”
( SOS! ) Tip 5: Prepare topics ahead of time
It may seem unusual to plan a text conversation, but keeping a list of topics you could use in the future will make you feel more at ease while talking to someone. When you see or hear anything that reminds you of someone you want to text, make a note of it and bring it up when the discussion stalls.
Tip 6: Refer back to a previous conversation
Going back to an earlier conversation can be easier than coming up with new topics to discuss. You may bring up something new that has come to mind since the prior talk, or you could follow up on something the other person mentioned.
Here are a few instances of how you can refer back to an earlier conversation:
“Remember last week when we talked about college?” I never got around to asking you about your sorority experience. “How is it really?”
“By the way, when we were talking about our worst vacations last weekend, did I mention the time I got stuck in Changi Airport for more than 24 hours?”
“You mentioned last week that you couldn’t decide whether to see a movie or go to a games night on Saturday. “What did you ultimately decide?”
“Did you start your new job on Tuesday?” “How are you finding it so far?”
“Did you decide to adopt that collie you saw at the animal shelter?”
Tip 7: Know which topics to avoid
It’s fine to discuss potentially contentious topics if you know the other person well. However, if you are just getting to know them, avoid discussing political concerns, sex, and religious ideas. Some individuals are uncomfortable discussing these topics, and you may accidently offend someone or become embroiled in a heated dispute.
You don’t have to be upbeat all of the time. However, be mindful that revealing your issues or whining about something can put an end to a conversation. “How do they want me to respond?” or “Wow, I don’t know what to say,” the other person may think, making the conversation awkward.
Thank you for reading