Here are pointers(忠告) to help fill those awkward(尴尬的) silences. You might be surprised by what someone has to say once you get them to open up. You will need: Interest, Listening Skills, Eye Contact (眼神接触), Enthusiasm(热情), Open-ended Questions(开放式结尾的问题), and Humility(谦逊).
Step 1: Encourage talking
Encourage someone to talk about themselves by asking questions like, “What do you do for a living?” or “What kinds of movies do you like?”
Tip: People are flattered(被奉承，感觉高兴) by someone’s interest and like to talk about themselves.
Step 2: Show interest
Display an interest in a wide range of topics.
Step 3: Listen quietly
Listen quietly and maintain eye contact. The more trusted and sensitive their audience, the more willing people are to open up and engage(参与).
Tip: Avoid being intrusive(擅闯的), prying(乱打听的), or gossipy(碎嘴的).
Step 4: Respond enthusiastically
Respond enthusiastically(热情地) to comments to keep someone talking. Keep your enthusiasm sounds genuine(真诚的).
Step 5: Encourage further conversation
Encourage further conversation by asking who, what, why, when, where, and how questions, like: “What did you do?” and “When was this?”
Keep it low key(音调), so it doesn’t feel like you’re interrogating(审问，质问).
Step 6: Don't be afraid to admit your ignorance
Don’t be afraid to admit your ignorance(无知) when discussing a topic. That gives the other person an opportunity to show their knowledge of the subject.
Did you know? Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 film, The Conversation, lost the Oscar to his other nominated film that year, The Godfather, Part II.