Framing conversations as a game where the (mutual) goal is to entertain the other person helped me become a non-terrible conversationalist. Keep trying to think

Framing conversations as a game where the (mutual) goal is to entertain the other person helped me become a non-terrible conversationalist. Keep trying to think of things to say that will make the other person feel interested or amused, and try to tune in to their mood as the conversation progresses. Also important while you’re doing this is to pay attention to what they’re saying (instead of getting lost in your own head trying to think of the next thing to say) and asking them questions about themselves. (Thanks go to my partner Meng who pointed these things out to me :) Also, just forcing myself to converse more at parties, with coworkers, etc even when it seemed awkward or draining helped. You just have to practice.