The expert spoke about 10 communication skills that make any conversation meaningful

A popular saying goes: "People do business with people they like and trust." So it's always helpful to know how to use communication skills to have more meaningful conversations.

"This experience," according to the Expert Click website, "is also good for building personal and professional connections". Here are a few proven ways to improve your communication skills:

• Listen to understand, not just wait for your turn to speak.
• Make eye contact and nod. This is a subtle non-verbal way to let the other person know that you are listening and participating in the conversation. At the same time, the worst way to communicate is to stare at your phone.

• Smile: This is a great way to show that you are open and friendly, especially when meeting a new person.
• Compliment the person you are talking to. People like to be recognized and noticed. It's also a great way to start a conversation!
• Before you share your thoughts, acknowledge the other person's comments. For example, "It looks like you had a lot of fun on your trip." After the other person responds, add your own comments about similar experiences.

• Invite the other person to share his or her opinion using who-what-when-where-how phrases. For example, "What were the highlights of today's seminar?" or "How will the new policy affect your team?" or "Where are you going on your next vacation?" (This also helps to avoid a one- or two-word answer).
• Ask about favorite things. For example, "What was your favorite vacation?" "What are your favorite restaurants?" or "What do you like to do in your free time?"

• Be tolerant of silence and pauses in the conversation or fill in the blank with an expression like: "I was just thinking about what that is...? What do you think about that?"
• Affirm and empathize. When someone shares their concerns, instead of saying, "Oh, you'll do a great job with this presentation," say: "I know it can be a little intimidating to speak in front of your coworkers."
• Stay open to negative feedback and criticism. Instead of getting defensive and making excuses for what went wrong, ask for more information: "How can I fix this?" or "Tell me more about what happened."