Don't multitask - be present, be in the moment
Don't pontificate - enter every conversation assuming that you have something to learn
Use open-ended questions
Go with the flow
If you don't know, say that you don't know
Don't equate your experience with theirs - all experiences are individual and conversations are not a promotional opportunity
Try not to repeat yourself - it's condescending and boring
Stay out of the weeds - people don't care about the years, the names, the dates and all those details you are struggling to come up with in your mind
Listen - if your mouth is open you are not learning
Be brief - A good conversation is like a miniskirt, short enough to retain interest, but long enough to cover the subject
All of this boils down to the same basic concept, and it is this one: Be interested in other people.
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