Manners

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Introduction > Table Manners > Telephone Manners > Professional Manners > Conversation > Social Skills > Conclusion

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Conversation Skills

Speech is an important form of communication. Every time you open your mouth, you reveal something about yourself to someone else - not just in what you say, but how you say it, so speak clearly and sincerely. Make yourself heard without shouting, interrupting or talking over others. Say what you think and how you feel, but say it without hurting others' feelings. Some conversation do's and don'ts include:

Conversation DO'S

• Look at the person or people you are talking to
• If you haven't met before, introduce yourself and ask their name
• Use a person's name when talking to them
• Ask questions when you don't understand something
• Stick to the subject
• Say nice things about people and praise those who deserve it
• It's fine to disagree, but disagree politely

Conversation DON'TS

• Don't fidget, look elsewhere, or wander off while someone else is talking
• Don't listen in on conversations you aren't part of
• Don't interrupt when someone else is talking
• Don't whisper in front of another person
• Don't whine, tattletale, brag, or say mean things about others
• Don't ask personal questions such as how much things cost or why someone looks or dresses the way they do
• Don't point or stare
• Don't argue about things that aren't important

Some Magic Words to Being Polite

• "Thank You"
• "Please"
• "May I ... "
• "Excuse Me"
• "I'm Sorry"

Print this page, or print the Adobe PDF version, and use it to refer to improve your conversation skills.

Next: Social Skills

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