How to have better conversations.

More than one-third of American teenagers send over 100 texts/day. With emoticons, text-speak and little face-to-face conversation, interpersonal communication skills are lagging behind.

Leading by example is a good place to start. When you are talking with youth, don’t multi-task. Be present! Put down your cell phone, put away your mental to-do list and stop thinking about what you’re going to say next. Prepare yourself for focused, patient, open-minded listening. It is amazing how powerful 90 seconds of focused listening can be!

Getting to the next level is important for youth. Help them prepare for the future with these handy interviewing skills. Click here to watch Celeste Headlee discuss the ingredients of a great conversation.