How To Talk To Anyone

This article is from Reader Digest too. Please take a few minutes to read on. Be a social success at every party - try these tips from Leil Lowndes, relationship expert and author of Always in the Kitchen at Parties.

Never give one-word answers.
If you're asked what you do, expand on your response so it can start a conversation, for example "I'm a social worker and I work with adopted children."

Leave out "uh-huh."
Encourage people to keep on speaking by asking questions about what they're saying.

Choose the right questions.
Try to avoid "where?" or "when?"– These words tend to promote one-line answers. Use "why?", "how?" or "tell me more."

Sound "dazzled" even if the conversation is dull.
A great conversationalist makes everyone feel appreciated.