| A conversation between two people can be like a | | | | about them. |
| tennis game. The back-and-forth conversation is like | | | | You can now ask more specific questions to keep the |
| two players hitting the ball over the net. Someone | | | | conversation going, like: |
| serves up a new idea from time to time. | | | | 3. What do you like most about tennis? |
| How's your conversational tennis? Do you have | | | | People love to talk about themselves. Showing an |
| problems when it's your turn to serve the ball? An | | | | interest in others is a sure way to get a good rally |
| easy way to serve up the next idea is to ask | | | | going, especially if it's done in a sincere, positive way: |
| questions to keep a conversation going. | | | | 4. Do you have a favorite tennis ball brand? |
| Say you are starting a new match with someone | | | | While you begin conversing over the different brands |
| you've never played with before. You might want to | | | | of tennis balls and maybe even the color choices, you'll |
| start with a compliment. Remember to make it genuine. | | | | soon realize that you've got another good rally going. |
| After the compliment, you can ask a question: 1. Your | | | | Asking questions to keep a conversation going is a |
| jacket (blouse, tie, shirt) looks great on you. Did you | | | | great way to show that you are genuinely interested in |
| buy it at JacketsRUs? This is a great serve! Now, the | | | | what the other person has to say. |
| ball will be in their side of the court and hopefully a nice | | | | Comparing conversation to a tennis game may seem |
| rally will ensue. | | | | silly, but think of two friends playing a game of tennis |
| Supposing, you've decided to try out the new tennis | | | | together, just for fun. They wouldn't slam |
| courts. You spot someone who looks like they belong. | | | | Wimbledon-type serves at each other and try to |
| Try serving up a conversation starter that shows that | | | | catch each other off guard with wicked backhand |
| you've noticed how well they fit in: 2. What tips would | | | | shots. |
| you give someone who's never played on these | | | | Instead, they'd be gently lobbing the ball right to each |
| courts before? | | | | other, so they could enjoy a good fun rally. |
| Let's say, it's already been established that you both | | | | So, next time you feel a bit nervous at the thought of |
| like to play tennis. In other words, you sense that you | | | | starting up a conversation with a new person, think of |
| have some things in common. You've seen this other | | | | it as a game. After all, games are made for fun! |
| player around and now you just want to know more | | | | |