Does your conversation topic fit the situation, or the person you are talking to? You wouldn’t ask a new friend at a party for a job promotion, but the same conversation would be appropriate with your boss at work.

The right conversation needs to have the right timing. For example, a formal meeting with colleagues wouldn’t be an appropriate time for a very personal conversation, and you wouldn’t ask your boss for a new job while in a lift full of people.

Ask questions. If you struggle with conversations then asking more questions than answering can be very helpful. Just make sure that you listen to the answers so that you can ask appropriate follow-up questions. Stay on topic and be interested!

When you meet someone new, stick with topics that they are unlikely to have a personal connection to, like the weather, food or movies. When you know someone better, you could add in subjects that people can feel strongly about, like politics, romance or the news. Save personal topics like family or health for close friends and family.

Complaining and gossiping aren’t helpful when we meet new people as they put a negative spin on the conversation. If asked a question, you do not need to lie, just try to demonstrate a good attitude. Being positive makes you more approachable and fun to have a conversation with.

End your stories with a question, like “What do you think?” Conversations are like a game of catch, and this is you throwing the conversation back to keep it going.

Have more conversations. Like any other skill, the more we practice having conversations, the better we get at having them. So, start today, and CONNECT with your Menzies Aviation colleagues!