How do I become a better conversationalist? How do I make and retain friends?
Some people are gifted at this and for others it's a struggle. Personally I was lucky enough to be gifted in this area from a young age. Here's my secret- I LISTEN to people. I listen intently, as if what they're telling me is all I care about in this world. I make lots of eye contact, I nod, I ask questions about what they're telling me. I really hardly talk at all and here's the strange thing- people say I am GREAT at conversation. How can that be if I barely talk? Because people don't want to hear you blab on and on, they want you to listen to them and respond appropriately at what they're telling you (laugh at jokes, be sad about their losses, sympathize with their struggles, etc.)
Learn to listen properly and the rest will follow.
