How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere

      It is well known that talking to anyone is not always easy. But the more you work at it, the easier it will be. To me, the ability to talk well is one of the great pleasures in life and can bring with it some of life's greatest rewards. To get you started, here are some basic ingredients for learning how to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

      1. Attitude Counts.

      The right attitude--the will to talk--is crucial to becoming a better talker.

      2. Remember to Take Turns.

      Careful listening makes you a better talker. Good follow-up questions are the mark of

a good conversationalist.

      3. Broaden Your Horizons.

      The best conversationalists are able to talk about issues and experiences beyond their own daily lives. You can expand your world through travel, but you can also do it without leaving your own backyard. The point is this: people with backgrounds different from your own can help broaden your conversational repertoire and your thinking.

      You should be as open and honest with your conversational partners as you' d want them to be with you, willing to reveal what your background is mid what your likes and dislikes are. That's part of the give and take of conversation, part of getting to know people.

      Whether you're talking to one person or a million, the rules are the same. It's all about making a connection. Show empathy, enthusiasm and a willingness to listen, and you can't help becoming a master of talk.