A long time ago I read something that’s always stuck with me: to paraphrase, “conversation is like tossing a ball back and forth. When you catch it, it’s your turn AND in order to keep the ball in the air, ask a question for someone else to respond to.”
If you’ve been following the gist and have an honest question about the subject, ask it. If you haven’t, but have been worrying about what you’re going to say when it comes your turn to talk, repeat something of what’s been said and ask “What do you think?”
Both techniques divert attention to another speaker, something people love. And oddly enough (lol) you’ll be considered a good conversationalist.
Yep - I came here to post this. Listen and ask questions; “How did that make you feel”, “Does anyone else do that?”, “So would you recommend it to anyone?”, “However did you find out about that?”, “Was it everything you hoped?”, “Wasn’t that terribly difficult?” etc.
People will enjoy your interaction, notice you more, and this in turn will provide the space for you to speak and be heard.
‘The wise man speaks because he has something to say, the fool because he has to say something’
Personally I find group conversations a strain because I find it extremely difficult to discriminate between multiple noise sources and can’t make out what people are saying. I can hear fine but multiple voices (especially if there are background noises or conversations) just blend into a general babble of noise.
Although I’m naturally quiet if you get me onto a topic of interest you’d have to beat me with a two-by-four to shut me up…
