2 Crucial Tips for Creating a Quality Conversation

Did you know that we’re physically and mentally healthier when we have meaningful and fulfilling relationships?  People who are ill get better more quickly when they have a loving support system.  People who are broken-hearted from a romantic breakup get back to normal more quickly if they have someone to talk to and pour their hearts out to.  Relationships are crucial to having a balanced, happy and healthy life.
Two-Way Conversations Are Best
An important key to a successful relationship is making sure the conversations are two-way.  Although some people like to have others do all the talking, this is rare.  Most people find a conversation much more interesting if they do at least part of the talking.  In fact, many people are sensitive that they talk about half the time.  Make sure both of you are sharing in the conversation.
One great way to be certain that the other person is talking enough is to ask the other person questions.  Doing this will also communicate that you’re interested in what he or she has to say.  Follow up with the next logical question. 
For example, you’re discussing your co-worker’s vacation.  She tells you that she went to Disneyland with her children.  The next logical question is, “What rides did your children go on?” and “Did you go on any rides?”  You might ask, “How long did you stay?” or “We had a storm on Saturday.  Did you get caught in that?” 
Use Open-Ended Questions, Not Closed-Ended Questions
In order to ask questions that help the other person share information, you need to know the difference between close-ended questions and open-ended questions.  What do you notice in the following two conversations?
Ryan:  Did you have a good vacation?