Module five moving the conversation along. initiating a conversation is one interpersonal skill, maintaining it is another. an engaging and effective conversation is one that flows and goes forward. To be able to keep a conversation from being stuck it is best to know techniques and moving a conversation along. In this module we will discuss techniques like asking for examples using repetition, using summary questions and asking for clarity and completeness. Asking for examples.

One way to get a conversation partner to elaborate on what they are sharing with you is to ask for examples. Examples make a specific general statement and give an insight on the particulars of a disclosure. It can also serve to illustrate principle shared or personalized experience. The following conversation excerpts illustrate how asking for examples can move a conversation along excerpt number one person a CS Lewis is one of my all time favorite writers first Be CS Lewis. I'm not familiar with his work. Could you give me an example of what he has done?

Person A? Well, he wrote The Chronicles of Narnia. It's a children's series with seven books. I find it very inspiring. excerpt number two, Person A, this is a great company to work for. They really care about their employees.

Person D, in what ways did they care for the staff? Or today? Well, their medical program is a good example of how they prioritize health and security. All ABC company employees are registered with a private insurance firm from their first day of work. Person B. Wow, that's very generous. In what other ways are they employee oriented?

Person A. The staff members are also scheduled for an annual week long retreat, all expenses paid for by the company. Using repetition questions are not the only powerful tools that you can use to keep a conversation going repeating certain words phrases or even statements that a person discloses to you can also maintain the momentum of your talk or urge into a new direction. In what way can repetition keep a conversation going? repetition can be a way of saying please go on or Tell me more. It is the technique of acknowledging that you have heard what the other person said, and or something about their disclosure has piqued your attention.

It is an encouragement for them to elaborate. Repetition is also a way of focusing a conversation on an interesting aspect. Your choice of what word or phrase or statement to repeat will signal to the other person what you'd like to hear more about. One way you can use this technique to your advantage is to repeat a word, phrase or statement that you feel has a lot more story to it. You may also zero in on what you think the other person likes to talk about more or what you yourself find intriguing. Lastly, repetition can also be a way of communicating your reaction to what the other person said.

Varying the intonation and pitch of your voice can inject your repetition with the emotions of surprise, shock, excitement or confusion. The following conditions excerpts illustrate how repetition can move a conversation along. Except one person a. Mark and I have been married for 40 years now. We'll be renewing our vows in April 1 and be 40 years. Person A?

Yes, amazing, isn't it? It wasn't always easy, but we made it through. Very few people who married the same time as us are still together now. I know I am one of the lucky ones. excerpt number two person a. I can't believe it. The guys threw me a surprise party.

Person B, the guys threw you a birthday party. Person A Yes, it really made my day. Note that in repetition, you don't necessarily have to repeat the same exact phrase, you can make changes necessary to make the repetition more effective. Using summary questions. Another way to keep a conversation moving is to summarize what has been discussed and what you heard from the other person every now and then. A summary can communicate that you are really listening That you have taken stock of everything the other person has said more so it gives a sense of movement to the conversation.

Because summary say that one part of the conversation is over, and that it's time to move on to another part. Note that in repetition, you don't necessarily have to repeat the same exact phrase, you can make changes necessary to make the repetition more effective. The following conversation excerpts illustrate how summary questions can move a conversation along. excerpt number one, Person A, I'm really geared up for this coming marathon. I changed my diet hired a trainer and I've been practicing three to four hours a day. I've never felt more in shape.

I feel that I have a real shot at winning this person be you've really invested in this marathon. You really think you have a chance to win. Person A Yes, amazing, isn't it? excerpt number two, Person A. I want this project to be one of the most successful for this trimester. We had a run of bad luck the past month, and we need a big deal to recoup at all. Judging by the projections the accounting department made I think we're right on track.

Person B. That's great. How can I help? Person A? We need a design person. You're good at art right?

Can you make us a logo? person be? Sure Just give me the spec sheet one and I'm on it. Person A, and a pamphlet as well. One that has all the company colors in it same with a logo. Person B, no problem.

Let me see if I understood you, right. You need a pamphlet and a logo with a company colors in it. Is this correct? Person A. That's it. Thanks for asking for clarity and completeness.

Here's another way of moving a conversation along asking for clarity and completeness. It is important to verify your understanding of a communication and see if you have accurate and or complete information. Often a speaker presumes that he or she is understood and therefore tends to miss on certain details. They may think that they have the same frame of reference with the other person and consequently doesn't Need to expand on the meaning of their statements. At times intense emotions like excitement can result in lack of clarity and completeness in communication. Asking for clarity and completeness can give your conversation depth and richness that idea.

It can also communicate your sincere desire to understand what the other person is saying. The following conversation excerpt illustrates how asking for clarity and completeness can move a conversation along excerpt one person a, my seven year old daughter wants to become an actress. She's been begging me to enroll her in this intensive acting community workshop, but I'm afraid it will just spoil her first and be I don't understand. What do you mean by it'll just spoil her purse today? You know, I think it will indulge her too much. I want her to grow up discipline by school and household chores.

I don't want her to be like many young stars nowadays who don't seem to know what's real and what's not. Person B I think I understand what you mean. Are you saying that she'll miss the normal demands of everyday that keeps people grounded Person A Exactly.