Improve Conversation With the 50/50 Rule of Listening and Speaking
Maybe you talk too much in a conversation; maybe you will shut up. In any case, communication skills are not given to everyone naturally. For the best conversation, use a 50/50 speaking-to-listening ratio.
Sometimes it can be difficult to build a comfortable conversation pace. If you don’t contribute, things can get awkward. And if you share too much, the other person might think when you shut up. Personal development coach Celestine Chua offers some pretty simple advice for managing this flow:
I always think that a good conversation should consist of equal participation of both parties. Sometimes it can be 40-60 or 60-40, depending on the circumstances, but in general both parties should have equal opportunities to discuss and participate in the conversation. This means that you have to be empathetic enough to ask the other person questions if you have been talking for a while. It also means that you have to take the initiative and tell more about yourself if the other side is sharing the most.
This is one of those things that seems pretty obvious – listen as much as you speak. But the number on it can serve as a good reminder the next time you start a conversation. As Chua mentions, your ratio may differ. If you are a natural listener, you can adjust the numbers, but the point is that the conversation is all about contributing and listening. If you’re having trouble starting a conversation, we have some tips on how to do it . For more on how to improve your speaking skills, check out Chua’s full post below.
The Art of Conversation: Do You Follow These 10 Rules of Great Conversation? | Personal skill