What do you do when you become uncomfortable during a conversation?

  • Which topic of conversation makes you uncomfortable? What is the topic? Do you know why you find it difficult to talk about this topic?
  • What do you do when you become uncomfortable during a conversation? Do you withdraw? Do you try to change the topic? Do you speak louder or softer? Do you begin to gesticulate?
  • Have you had an occasion to talk to a very persuasive or very aggressive person? If you and this person hold different opinions, can you hold to your position? Are you easily “led” in a conversation?
  • Are you flexible in a conversation? If a comment made by someone takes the conversation in an unexpected direction, can you adjust quickly? Can you assimilate new information, reassess your position, and continue the conversation?
  • When entering into a conversation, do you attempt to eliminate potential distractions and interruptions?
  • Do you consciously avoid having important conversations in high traffic public areas where environmental distractions are likely possible? Why?
  • Do you put your cell phone in the silence mode when you are likely to have conversations? Why?
  • Do you listen without interruption and sufficiently control the conversation to minimize interruption? Why?
  • When engaged in a conversation, do you give your undivided attention to the matters being discussed? Why?
  • When engaged in discussion, do you develop reflective questions pertinent to the conversation? Why?
  • When engaged in discussion, do you make conscious eye contact? Why?
  • When involved in conversations, are you cognizant of body language, both the individual you are conversing with and your own? Why?
  • Do you have an understanding of body language gestures and posturing?