Reply #3: Read the paper

[Lady President]

While I wouldn't consider myself a great conversationalist, I can talk to almost anyone. I grew up in family where we sat around the table every night and talked about our day, current events, and life, in general. Also, I'm dyslexic, so writing a message is here is very difficult for me, but I would happily talk to anyone.

My advice is simple-- read the entire paper every day. To be a good conversationalist you must have some basic knowledge in a wide range of areas. Once you have that knowledge base, then you can ask other people thoughtful, open-ended questions which is the real key. You don't want to give a lecture, but have an interchange of ideas.

If reading books makes you more comfortable, then certainly continue. I would prefer an average conversation with a genuine person, rather than have chapter 4 tested on me. (In other words, be yourself. If you have the desire to talk to people, then you're already set.)