what is the art of conversation?

[bubbles4920]

im going to a xmas golf do soon where you are seated next to someone you dont particularly know on a different table away from you partner! i hate it and always need a few stiff drinks before sitting down to eat. any tips on what to talk about, just what is the art to good conversation?? i dont play golf btw though i do watch it on tv!over the years i feel that i have gone into myself for lots of reasons too many to mention here! i used to be so outgoing and bubbly and want to be again. maybe i was just flirting and now i have a partner, i dont need to do it anymore. also i find it difficult trying to talk to women, esp those in a clique at the golf club who walk right past without even saying hello. all advice most welcome!

[bambibooboo]

fake an interest in the person u r plonked next to, ask them a few questions, smile a lot u should be ok, if the person is a relative stranger chances are they will feel as nervous and ****** off with situation as u, yeh i find women like the ilk u describe hard to chat with too

[bobtheturkey]

id rather stick razor blades into my eyeballs using a chisel and claw hammer than go to a golf do :)

[Le Chat]

People also love to talk about their children and how well thay are doing at school, college etc. If it is a posh golf doo, then you can always talk about private education etc (then throw up later) Those women you talk about go to my son's school and lots of them play golf. How weird!!!

[welshwil]

get pi$$ed and talk boll0ks

[Carakeel]

well, I guess one part of "the art of conversation" would be the ability to listen...? ... oh and not to fall asleep? ... and to have something interesting to say? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Carakeel]

golf dos -zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!! LOL

[WendyS]

Conversation topics:
Children and their schools, holidays, hobbies and interests, gardening, energy prices, property prices, favourite foods and dislikes, embarrassing moments,
council tax, the pensions scandal, favourite TV programmes, Would you wear a crucifix if you worked for British Airways?, the Iraq War (Everybody has an opinion on that), Gordon Brown, (everybody has an opinion on him too, and if that doesn't get you thrown out of the function, you can go on and talk and Tony and Cherie Blair ) !!!

On second thoughts, start with the Iraq War, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and the guests on your table will be happily talking together (or fighting) all evening.