How to evolve conversations?

[Anonymous]

So not so long ago one of my friends said he had a friend looking for a relationship and asked if I’d want his Snapchat I said yes cause why not I’d be keen for a relationship if he’s ya know not a dickhead. Anyway we haven’t met yet or anything he started the conversation the first maybe 3 times and since then it’s just been me starting the conversation however when we talk he’s always adding to the conversation and I can tell he’s trying to keep the conversation going but I’m horrible with communication and i never know wtf to say so the conversations we’ve had a just brief conversation about how we’ve been and what we’ve been up to and then it dies out. Wondering if anyone has any advice or things to say/ask to keep the conversation going and maybe lead it more in the direction of getting to know each other better?

[Effably]

Ever done improv?

The first thing they will teach you is a pretty silly but excellent technique called "Yes, and...".

The basic rule is that you never only reply with yes or no. You never only give an answer. After an answer you add something more. It does not need to be important but can be!

"Do you like Hamburgers Effably?"
"Yes."
... Conversation dead.

"Do you like hamburgers Effably?"
"Yes, and I actually had hamburgers yesterday."
"Where was that?"
"Well my brother had a birthday so we made a little BBQ for him and he likes hamburgers so..."

Obviously this is staged. But this is the idea of "Yes, and...". It does not need to be important! You can add silly things, important things, a random thought, anything. Whatever they ask you just give them more than an answer back. If they do the same thing, very quickly you will have more to talk about than you know what to do with. And then you'll end up cherry-picking what you both like most.