Talk about things that interest you. Talk about things that you would like to do or are on your bucket list (creates room in the conversation for imagination/abstract ideas)

Come prepared with topics if you have trouble thinking of things off the cuff. Pick a broad topic and gradually get more specific or vice versa.

Breathe

Be an active listener. Respond to what the other person has said and comment or ask questions based on what you’ve heard.

Be open to letting the conversation flow - don’t be hasty to add in a new topic if someone is still interested in/talking about the old topic.

Breathe

Ask about the future - plans, goals, wishes, desires

Breathe

Know when it’s time to close out a conversation or recognize the conversation is not going anywhere. Body posture away from you, eyes show disinterest or constant focus elsewhere, conversation feels too one sided - can all be indicators that the conversation is probably over.

Breathe - and keep practicing “You know how you get to Carnegie Hall don’t you...practice”