If you’ve ever wanted to have intellectual conversations, you’re in luck. With these tips, you can easily start or join intellectual conversation without fear of saying the wrong things or doing the wrong things.
Before I begin, I want you to understand one thing. You can’t have an intellectual conversation with someone who’s out to make you look stupid. If that is the case, then there’s no way you can have an intellectual conversation.
Having conversations with people who just want you to hear them talk and not listen is a sign to leave. Here are the best tips to have an intellectual conversation and be confident with yourself regardless.
6 Great Tips on Having Intellectual Conversations
1. Read Books and Watch Documentaries
I don’t think anything better prepares you for life than the stories of others. In order to talk about something, you need to understand what you’re talking about. You can also watch documentaries about certain events or topics you’re interested in. If you find reading a little difficult, that’s okay. These documentaries go a long way in educating you. If you want to research further, you can then pick up a book.
2. Watch Movies For An Intellectual Conversation
You’re probably wondering how watching movies can help you have intellectual conversations. Well, movies bring up certain topics you’ve never come across before even if it’s just in passing. They spark your interest and you’ll want to know what your favorite character is talking about. This way, you go online to understand better. It opens a whole new world to explore.
3. Talk To People Based on Their Interests
If you talk about the most intelligible thing to a person without interest, then it’s pointless. Yes, they’ll see you as a smart person but it ends there. If you want to strike up a conversation you too can learn from, talk about things that also interests them.
Ask them what they study in school, their favorite books, movies, and their favorite people. Know their hobbies and what they do. Most importantly, never forget to ask questions.
4. Ask Questions For An Intellectual Conversation
The problem a lot of people face is that they don’t ask questions. Do not be too proud or scared to ask a question. It helps you learn. When you ask questions, you’re better prepared for another conversation.
Also, be willing to learn. If you only depend on your knowledge, you wouldn’t go far. Be open-minded. Listen to things you feel you might not agree with. Let your feeling at the end of the conversation be the judge of that.
5. Give Room For Explanation For An Intellectual Conversation
When you are talking to a person, give room for explanation. Never give a straight forward answer that can kill a conversation. Here’s an example.
”How was your day?”
“It was a terrible day”
This doesn’t give room for a great conversation. Here’s a better option:
“A lot of things happened today. Some weren’t so good.”
It gives the other person room to ask why. “Why” to me is the backbone of every sane conversation.
6. Never Brush Someone Off Easily
Always go into a conversation with an open mind even if you think you’re smarter or more educated than another person. Give them a chance to speak so you can understand where they are coming from. You can’t always be right.
If they are willing to have an intellectual conversation, they would be just as open-minded as you are.
Final Tips on Having An Intellectual Conversation
If you want to have an intellectual conversation, you might need to bring up your personal experiences. This encourages the other person to do so as well. Don’t stick to talking about one thing. Know how to switch it up. Shallow conversations will never help you learn. There are a lot of topics to get intellectual conversations from. They include;
Politics
Historical events
Life experiences
Philosophy
Movies and books
Astronomy
Life goals
Dreams
News and sports
Next time you want to have an intellectual conversation with someone, never forget this
