How to Avoid Appearing Too Withdrawn in Video Chat
Have you ever felt withdrawn when communicating in a video chat? I recently tried chat roulette, but I ran into a problem: interlocutors quickly lost interest, since I could not maintain a conversation on my own. My reaction was slow, and the questions were monotonous and boring. How can I overcome this withdrawnness and become a more interesting conversationalist?
First, get into a positive frame of mind before starting a conversation. Try smiling at yourself in the mirror and make sure that you are ready to communicate. A positive attitude helps relieve tension and makes you open to new contacts.
Secondly, prepare in advance with interesting topics for conversation. Think about what might interest your casual interlocutor: movies, books, travel, hobbies. Also, don't forget to listen: show genuine interest in your interlocutor's stories, ask clarifying questions.
Another way is to use humor. A small joke or funny comment can defuse the situation and make the conversation more relaxed. But remember that it is important to observe the measure, so as not to seem intrusive or inappropriate.
Finally, remember that practice makes a master. The more you communicate, the easier it will be to open up and find a common language with different people. Over time, your isolation will go away, and before you know it, you'll become more open and confident during video chats.