Conversational topics

ilikecake

For most of my life I haven't really taken an interest in such topics like music, television, movies, famous people, sports, politics and current affairs etc etc. When it comes to conversing with someone or in a group - generally, I never have anything to say except asking questions, because I don't have a clue or have little to no opinions on most topics. When I say something like "who is that" - I get interesting stares.

So the question is - how do I improve my knowledge at this stage. Vast topics such modern music, I have no idea of bands, songs etc - how does one gain knowledge/interest. -- where do I begin --

Thanks!

girl2

Maybe you could start to buy a few newspapers and magazines that will at least give you an insight into who people are.

And you could turn on the radio and hear some music.

When you get stuck on who people are etc, you could google them!

Hope this helps.

Prenderb

Listening to a drive time talk show will help with Current Affairs, quite quickly you'll be up to date. They also deal with the sport which might help you too, keeping up with managers moving and players aswell.

What about bringing up your own interests?

MagicMarker

My advice would be rather than spend time researching current trends to improve you topic of conversation, you find people who are interested in the things you're interested in.

So, what would you rather talk about?

zAbbo

Why feign interest in something which doesn't interest you?

Try and find a social group which has similar interests, is there something you're passionate about?

Reading a news site like BBC or The Times Online (for something more comment based), or even just randomly browsing boards will help you gain enough to chat to someone.

I know loads of people who have no interest in sports, so we just talk about something else.

gamer

read the sunday times culture mag, every week,its got good sections on books,music, politics ,current affairs, read the guardian newspaper on guardian.co.uk .UNLESS you,r fintan o,toole , you are not expected to be an expert on every topic,buy the irish times twice a week,read the pages on music ,books etc.GOOGLE the bands singers ,who are in the top 20 ,so, you,ll have some idea who they are ,even if you despise most of them.
theres some people that just watch tv,play games ,listen to pop music ,try and find some interest /hobby even if its just playing ps2 games.

Fanny Cradock

With regards to current affairs, there is a near unlimited amount of information at your fingertips. For example, The Guardian have an excellent website. Programs like Newsnight on BB2 and The Last Word on Today FM are but two suggestions of programs that cover a wide range of issues.You will be rewarded if you pop into your library and see what interests you there. As for music, there are countless music blogs out there as well as handy websites like www.last.fm that will suggest bands and artists that mirror your tastes.

Do this for yourself, not to be the opinionated loud-mouth at a party!

ilikecake

Thanks all for the positive remarks. It is not that I don't have interest in such things - it is just I never decided or took the opportunity to do so.

It is my opinion that everyone should have at least some knowledge of whats going on in the world. I also don't want to be an uncultured swine and want to take this as an opportunity to learn new things and find out what I really like.


Thanks again!

aidan24326

Try to read more. Newspapers, internet sites etc, even boards can be educational from time to time!

Also a browse around your local library would do no harm at all. But only read/learn about what interests you, not what youy think people will expect you to know. If you're not interested in something that's your choice. In other words don't feel you have to know who's in big brother just because a selection of other idiots do!

thusspakeblixa

I think the best advice I could give is to use Wikipedia copiously.
It has articles on nigh-on everything!

RedXIV

ilikecake wrote: »

For most of my life I haven't really taken an interest in such topics like music, television, movies, famous people, sports, politics and current affairs etc etc. When it comes to conversing with someone or in a group - generally, I never have anything to say except asking questions, because I don't have a clue or have little to no opinions on most topics. When I say something like "who is that" - I get interesting stares.

So the question is - how do I improve my knowledge at this stage. Vast topics such modern music, I have no idea of bands, songs etc - how does one gain knowledge/interest. -- where do I begin --

Thanks!

Better idea, I find that if you want to keep someone's attention, tell em stories. surely after any length of time on the planet, you'll have stories, good, bad, funny and sad?

Also, tip of the day, A story where you end up looking like an idiot will go down ten times better than a story where you end up winning something. With this in mind, feel free to point out all your flaws with a charming narrative. works for me

Dizzyblonde

If you read a newspaper every day or visit news websites regularly you'll know what's going on in the world. You'll also come across articles on subjects that you'll be interested in and want to know more about.

Blisterman

ilikecake wrote: »

generally, I never have anything to say except asking questions,

To be honest, most people love answering questions on a topic they are interested in.
So why not find out about things, from other people by asking questions, and listening. Just admit you don't know anything about it, but you are interested in finding out more.