JLPT N2 Reading Comprehension Lesson 16

Conversation skills are very similar to driving skills. If you drive absentmindedly, you are likely to cause an accident. For example, when a few people are having an enjoyable, lively chat, there are those who suddenly interrupt and start talking about themselves. That is like a car entering a highway without accelerating; even if the person doesn't realize it, a crash occurs the moment they enter. When you want to join a group, the first thing to do is to listen quietly. Warming up your engine while nodding, and joining the conversation at the same speed as the other cars will allow you to merge smoothly into the flow. On top of that, be careful not to talk only about yourself. After all, everyone wants to talk about their own story. Conversation is like a ball game. Whether it's soccer or basketball, if you hog the ball all to yourself, no one will play with you next time. When talking in a group, it is also necessary to always be conscious of how much you have spoken. Especially when speaking in a large group, pay more attention to those who aren't speaking. Quiet people tend to be ignored, but out of respect for sharing the same space, you should invite them into the conversation too. I deeply feel that nothing has a greater skill gap between individuals than conversation. If you want to have fulfilling conversations, a certain amount of preparation and practice is necessary. I believe that what you gain through practice is immense. Hidden within it might just be life-changing encounters and good fortune.