In an attempt to understand how the heck they carried a conversation sans smartphone, we reached out to three parents to show us the ropes.
The Parents
Jill M., 56
Julie C., 66
David M., 59
Jill had a practical but insightful approach.
1. Listen to what they say before responding.
2. Make sure the conversation includes the other people in your group/circle — avoid making the conversation mostly about yourself.
3. Be sincere. Everyone can smell BS.
4. Find something nice/good to compliment the person about... That’s where the sincerity is important.
Julie had a bit more interesting but awesome approach — she's basically all of us IRL.
5. For goodness' sake, slow down in your speech. They might want to hear everything you have to say, but, if you talk too quickly, how can they take in every single word?
6. If there is a lull in the conversation, say "you go next" or "your turn." Do not use this at work or on a job interview.
7. If someone won't stop talking, say either "LOOK OUT" or some indeterminable word or phrase that will make them say "what?" You can then slip in what you want to say.
8. You could say, "I'll show you my tattoo if you show me yours."
And finally, David seems like a guy who knows how to really jazz up any conversation.
9. Look for places to talk that minimize distractions.
10. Everyone likes to talk about their pets. Good conversation starter.
11. Act like you are really interested in what they have to say. No one likes to talk to a blank face or a distracted face.
12. People always like to talk about themselves, so ask questions that give them that opportunity.
13. Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
It's amazing what you'll talk about when you put your phone down during mealtime. So Dixie is creating Deadzone Diners — pop-up restaurants in places with no cell service, just quality face time.
