Start a conversation and help it flow

Join in naturally and leave room for the other person

At a work meeting, two colleagues are talking about a project. Wait for a natural pause and briefly pick up on something you’ve heard. A question like “Has the deadline changed from the original plan?” can open up the conversation without taking it over.

Open-ended questions invite people to explain, but they don’t always lead to a long answer. Asking one question after another can make a conversation feel like an interview. Respond to the answer, add a brief related thought, and let the other person continue or change the subject. Before asking something more personal, check whether they’re comfortable discussing it.

You want to join two colleagues talking about a project. How should you start?

Social Skills in Practice: Trust, Conversation, and Collaboration

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