Before you hyperventilate even thinking about it, take into consideration these tips to become more conversational.

只是想像就讓你喘不過氣？來看看這些增強溝通技巧的小撇步吧！

Most opportunities spark from conversation.

許多機遇都是從簡單對話開始的。

It's a free investment. You'll be recognized for taking the time to chat with that person.

對話就像個沒有成本的投資，能幫助你得到對方的認可。

And a study from the University of Michigan showed that social interactions boost problem-solving skills by forcing you to read people's minds and take their perspective.

密西根大學一項研究指出，社交互動能讓你透過理解他人想法增進解決問題的能力。

First, look for someone approachable.

首先，尋找看起來較好親近的人。

Start with a smile and introduction.

用微笑和自我介紹開頭。

This puts everyone at ease.

這能讓人覺得放鬆。

Communications expert Carol Fleming says to remember the acronym ARE.

溝通專家 Carol Fleming 說過：記住 ARE 這個縮寫。

Anchor.

A，主持話題。

Find something you have in common.

找到你和對方的共通點。

This can be something you've experienced or something you're both experiencing in that moment.

可能是你們共有的經驗或是當下正在經歷的事情。

Reveal.

R，展現自己。

Say something about yourself that relates to your anchor topic, creating trust and providing something for them to respond to.

說一些和你們共通點有關的話題，製造信任並讓對方能夠提出回應。

Encourage.

E，鼓勵對方。

This is your time to ask a question pumping them to respond.

現在換你提問，並誘導對方回答。

Keep your questions open-ended.

盡量保持問題的開放性。

This allows for a more in-depth conversation.

好讓對話得以更加深入。

If you're stumped for a topic, stick to easy ones like their job, hobbies, and family.

如果覺得話題太難想，就挑一些簡單的，像是對方的工作、興趣和家人。

But always remember: stay away from controversial topics like politics.

切記避免談論敏感話題，像是政治議題。

A compliment works well too.

讚美對方也是個好方法。

Just be sure to transition the conversation afterward.

但要記得把對話接續下去。

Some people don't know how to handle them.

因為有些人不知道如何應對讚美。

Using the person's name in conversation will also yield good results.

在談話中提起對方的名字也能帶出不錯的效果。

People appreciate the special attention.

人們喜歡受到特別關注。

And remember to listen.

記得也要傾聽。

People love to talk about themselves.

人人都喜歡談論自己。

Restate what you hear to show you are listening.

復述聽到的內容，能顯示出你有在認真聽。

Now is not the time to be shy.

現在，是時候收起害羞。

Get in that elevator, smile, and make small talk.

走進電梯、微笑，然後向對方搭話吧！