Along your journey to mastering the art of conversation, you must learn to become interesting. Actually, you must become interesting to the point where you are intriguing, so that people no longer just listen to you, but are so caught up listening to what you are saying that they are hang on your every word. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to become a better conversationalistwhether its to hold an audience captive in order to sell more, or to interact with the opposite sex with more confidenceit is absolutely crucial that you hone your storytelling skills.

'What? Impossible!', you say?

Honestly, it's much easier than you think. Just look at some of the key ingredients that go into making a great story:

1) Timing

You've heard the saying, 'Timing is everything', and well, it is. You must know exactly when to use (or in some cases, not use) a particular story, based on your audience or the current circumstances.

For example, if everyone around you is currently distracted, or carrying on conversations of their own, don't try and get their attention by telling your story.

An expert storyteller knows how to recognize the best time to relate their story for maximum effect.

Watch how others tell their stories. When did they tell their story? Who was around? How well did people react to the story?

2) Never Rush Your Story

Use a relaxed, informal speaking style to relate your story and remember to pause for emphasis at significant points during the story. This will increase your audience's attention and will have them on the edge of their seats.

3) Ease Your Way into Telling a Story

Use transitional statements such as, 'Speaking of (insert former conversation topic here),'' or 'It's funny you brought that up, because''' to introduce your story and get everyone's attention.

Warning: If your story is funny, never announce your story by telling everyone 'I have a funny story to tell you.' If you do that,

1) you ruin any chance of surprising your audience with the humor of your story and 2) if your audience doesn't find it funny, your credibility among them is lessened.

4) Tell Stories About the Adventures that You've Had

A lot of the magic that comes from storytelling is that it gives you a chance to open up and give your audience a little peak at what you're really like.

Telling of some of your past adventures provides two benefits: it makes you sound very interesting and it allows you to connect with your audience a little, as they get a glimpse of what your little world is like.

The most effective and engaging stories that you can tell will often poke a little fun at yourself. This is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience and grab their attention, as it shows that you don't take yourself too seriously and are willing to open up in front of them, which shows that you have a lot of confidence.