You might be surprised by what someone has to say once you get them to open up. You will

need Interest Listening skills Eye contact Enthusiasm Open-ended questions and humility.

Step 1. Encourage someone to talk about themselves by asking questions like, “What do you do

for a living?” or "What kinds of movies do you like?" People are flattered by someone's

interest and like to talk about themselves. Step 2. Display an interest in a wide range

of topics. Step 3. Listen quietly and maintain eye contact. The more trusted and sensitive

their audience, the more willing people are to open up and engage. Avoid being intrusive,

prying, or gossipy. Step 4. Respond enthusiastically to comments to keep someone talking. Keep

your enthusiasm sounds genuine. Step 5. Encourage further conversation by asking who, what,

why, when, where, and how questions, like: “What did you do?” and “When was this?”

Keep it low key, so it doesn't feel like you're interrogating. Step 6. Don't be afraid to

admit your ignorance when discussing a topic. That gives the other person an opportunity

to show their knowledge of the subject. Did you know? Francis Ford Coppola’s

1974 film, The Conversation, lost the Oscar to his other nominated film that year, The

Godfather, Part II.