James W. Williams

assertiveness means being honest with your own feelings, needs, ideas and wants, yet being mindful of other people’s needs and opinions at the same time.

Don’t be afraid to get some of the spotlight for yourself.

rocking your boat.

To be a better conversationalist, you should watch out for hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions, and learn to divulge their meanings.

His secret? He lets the other person talk more about himself, and he makes more opportunities for that person to talk by directing the conversation toward a shared area of interest. He never acts like a doormat, no. The man is just so open-minded that other people’s interest spikes his own, and he asks questions to learn more and keep the conversation flowing.

hat makes you so afraid or nervous about talking to people?

Watch Out for Sensitive Topics.

Sensitive issues like religion, politics, and death are absolutely no-go when conversing with people for the first time. These topics have so much personal bias, and unless you’re in a company of friends or people you’re close to, they’re not safe grounds

Yes, yes. Weather is a cliché topic for small talk. Its commonness is actually its charm, and the reason why it’s universally expected to be the first in the list of small talk starters. It works almost all the time, so why not use it? Whether it’s sunny, windy, or wintry, it’s weather, and you can easily think of a dozen topics about it.

Remember though: Be Nice.

Words can be diverted from their true meaning, but non-verbal gestures are difficult to fake.