We've all been there, in a conversation that is quickly falling apart, struggling to keep it going, to keep it moving forward, grasping at any straw to keep from going down with the ship. But do not feel sunk. With a little preparation and practice, learning how to keep a conversation afloat will soon be the easiest thing you've done all day.

COMMON GROUND - Finding mutual interest between you and your conversation partner is one of the quickest, easiest ways to keep a conversation going in the right direction. Try to find any shared hobbies, interests, sports, activities or people that you and your conversation may have in common. Chances are that you and your partner will share some form of common ground if you dig deep enough, but be careful - keep the questions friendly and open, and don't let the conversation turn into an interrogation.

DIVERGENT TASTES - Contrast can be a wonderful thing. Sometimes it is the differences that pique our interest and keep us engaged in a conversation. While similarities are great at forging relationships, divergent tastes can also accomplish the task for a different reason - most people don't want to associate with carbon copies of themselves. Try to discuss the things you and your partner DON'T have in common, but keep it friendly and amusing.

QUESTIONS THAT EXPAND THE CONVERSATION - Look for the types of questions that will expand the conversation in a fruitful manner. Try to avoid asking the obvious questions like "what do you do for fun?" and instead try "I've always wanted to try parasailing, what are your thoughts on that?" Try to find questions that will lead to multiple topics and give you and your partner various avenues to pursue. Nothing is worse in a conversation than dead-end questions that stop a conversation in its tracks.

CHANGING THE SUBJECT - It's okay to change the subject if you feel you and your partner are quickly exhausting the potential limits of your current subject. This will usually result from good transition questions or tangential topics that may come up. Try to employ these before any awkward pauses to make the conversation flow smoothly.

Employ these tips to build your way to good social skills and conversations that do not stutter or end prematurely. Remember, practice makes perfect, but keep these suggestions in mind and you'll make great progress!