Encouragement signals

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Encouragement signals

Enthusiasm for the subject | Interest in the person | Non-verbal signals | See also

Sometimes all you want to do is to encourage people to talk about what ever is on their mind. This is useful in general social situation or when you want to give them time and space to get out something that is bothering them but they currently do not want to talk about.

An important way you encourage others is in the signals you send, both via the words you use and also the non-verbal signals.

Enthusiasm for the subject

Enthusiasm is infectious! If you are excited by the subject in question, the other person will pick up on this. It also signals that you are ready to talk more about the subject.

If you get enthusiastic about something that they are clearly interested in, then this shows a clear common ground on which you can both engage in a fascinating and enthralling conversation.

The reverse is also true. If you are obviously bored, then the other person may either be infected by your boredom too, or be less likely to expose their own enthusiasm for the subject.

Interest in the person

Show interest not only in the subject but also in the person. Indicate that you care about them.

Non-verbal signals

You do not need to say anything to encourage people to keep talking. Here are a few things you can do to keep them talking, as well as using other body language, such as:

Silence: Nature abhors a vacuum and so do people. Stay quiet and they will fill the gap.
Raised eyebrows: Raise one or both (if you can't do one) eyebrows expectantly.
Tilted head: Tilt your head sideways, perhaps in combination with the eyebrow-raise.
Nod: Nodding shows agreement and interest.
Noises: Make encouraging noises, such as 'uh-huh', 'mm', etc.