研究生英语听说教程（第三版）听力原文.doc

UINT 1 SECTION C Have you wished you were better at making a conversation? A great conversationalist is someone who connects with people and makes them feel important. When they talk to you, they make you feel like youre the only person in the room. Becoming a good conversationalist requires knowing three things: first, how to start a conversation; second, how to keep it going; and third, how to end it. Starting a conversation usually means coming up with an opening line or ice breaker. The best kind of ice breaker is one thats positive. A compliment is always a good ice breaker and will usually be appreciated. Any news event is a good ice breaker. The fact is, any opening line will do, as long as its not negative, and as long as its not a lie. The best way to entice a person to have a conversation with you is by being sincere and respectful, and letting them know that you are interested in talking to them. Once youve got a conversation going, the best way to keep it going is by asking the other person questions that dont require just a yes or no answer. Ask questions similar to those a reporter might ask to draw a person out; who, what, when, where, why and how questions. You keep asking questions based on the last thing a person says. This is called the elaboration technique. Once you hit on something you find interesting, keep asking questions in order to get the person to elaborate about the topic as much as possible. A good conversationalist elaborates on the experiences theyve had. Instead of saying the party was fun, tell why it was fun. Describe why you had a good time—who was there, what happened, where it was, and how people arranged the party. Go into detail. Description is the best form of communication because it keeps peoples interest up and stimulates them. If you started a conversation with another person, and youre having difficulty ending it, there are several signals you can send to the other person that will bring the conversation to its close wi