IMO, the following three things can help: Deep knowledge of what you're talking about is the most important thing. Focused listening (actively following the o

IMO, the following three things can help: Deep knowledge of what you're talking about is the most important thing. Focused listening (actively following the other people's trains of thought / "thinking with them as they speak"). Writing critically can (over time) improve your ability to also communicate well in conversations. Bonus fourth thing: practice.