When was the last time you had a really good conversation? One of those conversations that really got you going; a conversation that inspired you and made you think about something in a different way? I’ve a friend who I see very occasionally and he is one of those extraordinary conversationalists who has me crying, laughing and inspired in a matter of a few sentences.

I blogged recently about my first experience at The School Of Life at the How To Find A Job You Love workshop. Well, I headed back for round II last week, this time for a session about conversations led by John-Paul Flintoff.

I must admit I approached the session in completely the wrong fashion, hoping to get the gift of the gab in a few short hours so I could enthral those who come in my verbal pathway. The session wasn’t about talking techniques at all really, it was more about the spirit and attitude people approach conversations with, which ended up being much more interesting.

Surprisingly, we talked a lot about silence. JP had some great anecdotes about his conversations he’s had working as a Journalist for papers such as The Times, with people such as Richard Gere and how he uses silence as an important interview and conversation technique. I can recall many a time when I’ve blabbered on to fill a empty silence…but ever since the session I’ve been focusing silences and I tell you something, he’s onto something.

One of the exercises we had during the evening was coming up with creative openers for conversations. Rather than the stock standard “So, what do you do for work?” we came up with loads of creative ideas for openers…”What super hero would you be?” was one of the favourites – I liked “If you saw a little garden in a pothole, would you run it over, or would you drive around it…”

The six ways to better conversations:

• engage in conversations with strangers
• take off your mask
• have some empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes
• Get behind the job title
• think about adventurous openings
• have some courage!

The night was really great and I would definitely recommend it – I’m looking forward to my next evening at The School Of Life!

You can find out more information here.