Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

You need to enter every conversation assuming that you have something to learn.

Always assume the other person knows something you don't. So try to listen and learn.

Start your questions with who, what, when, where, why, or how.

Instead of asking "Was it scary?", ask "How did you feel?" or "How was it like?"

Let them describe it. They are the ones who know.

In the middle of a conversation if you just remembered some exciting past event you want to share or you got a cool question you want to ask, let it be. Let them come, let them go.

First, be present and listen to the speaker. Then you may talk about whatever you recalled.

It's okay to not know everything in the world. If you don't know something, say you don't know. Err on the side of caution.

Every experience is unique and individual. Do not try to equate them with your experiences.

Try to listen to others instead of making the conversation about you.

Speak with clarity and intent. Do not go over the same things over and over.

This happens especially when you are talking about yourself or when you are trying to make a point, without even realizing it.

People don't care about the exact date, the exact place, or the names that much. They care about you, they care about what you're like, what you have in common.

So forget the details. Leave them out.

Try to understand what the person has to say. Be interested in others.

Listening takes effort and energy. But if you can't do that, you are just two people shouting barely related sentences in the same place.

Keep it short. Keep it simple. Cover all the main details. Talk with purpose, intent, and clarity.