Taking vs turning a conversation

If you want to get along with people, you have to understand that like an onion, people have layers, and one has to peel the layers from them to reveal their real, amazing nature. No one is inherently boring.

You have to take responsibility, actively engage and delight the...

You can use the white flag, as in car racing, to indicate “they have one more lap and then it’s over."

Acknowledge what you’ve heard — “Gosh, it sounds like you really have a passion for skiing,” and then give someone a warning that the conversation is almost over. For exa...

Be attentive and give eye contact.

• Make active and engaged expressions.

• Repeat back what you’ve heard, and follow up with questions.

• If you notice something you want to say, don’t say it. Challenge it and go back to listening.

• For bonus points, wait an hour t...