7 Conversation Killers

What Stops a Friendly Conversation in its Tracks? There are certain behaviour patterns that can kill a conversation before it gets going. In fact many people lack conversation skills and don’t even realize it. Here is a guide to some of the pitfalls when engaging in casual conversation.

The Bore

Boring people talk incessantly about themselves, their families and their interests. They don’t ask questions and they don’t listen to others.

The Know-it-all

Many people have a wide general knowledge. Unfortunately, some of them haven’t learnt the wisdom of when to share their erudition. The know-it-all believes they know more than anyone about any given topic and will always have a story that is more spectacular, more interesting and enlightening.

The Loud Mouth

These characters dominate a conversation by sheer volume. They talk loudly, laugh loudly and normally have plenty to say. They enjoy being the center of attention and don’t allow others to share and interact.

The Complainer

Everyone has problems but the complainer broadcasts his for everyone to hear. Issues that should be dealt with in private are tossed out during conversation, often leaving the other party embarrassed or uncomfortable.

The Nosey Parker

In some ways, nosey parkers are opposite to the bore. They show an interest in other people to an excessive degree. Personal questions are asked and they pry into private areas while feigning interest or concern.

The Scanner

Also known as a butterfly. These people engage in conversation while scanning the room for someone more interesting or with more elevated social status. They flit from one to the next, never paying full attention, as they look for the ultimate prize in social interaction.

The Linguist

These people sound like dictionaries. They use academic language and big words where small ones would do. The general effect is to make people feel at a social disadvantage and so ignore them.

At some stage of life, everyone has a tendency to fall into one or more of the above categories. The important thing is to recognize it and make an effort to be more considerate and accommodating when conversing with others.