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You have probably heard about the importance of listening when meeting with other people; I've written and spoken about it often. Ask questions, show interest to get the other person talking and they will think you are the greatest conversationalist they've ever met!
There is also a need to look at the matter from the other side. If you are the person who is doing the talking, remember that it is a conversation, not a speech. Respond to questions, share information, and make an effort to connect with the other person. Ask questions yourself, and let them know you are there to learn something as well.
If you are talking with more than one person, be sure to make eye contact with everyone during the conversation. Focusing only on one person amounts to a private discussion with a third person standing there, part of the group but feeling excluded (and uncomfortable).
A friend shared a story about a recent experience. She met a colleague -- "Neutral" -- and the colleague's friend - "Anonymous" -- for lunch; Neutral thought my friend and Anonymous had common interests and would benefit in getting acquainted.
Apparently things started off well and conversation flowed freely. As time went on, my friend found herself becoming more and more quiet, and less interested in any type of follow-up with Anonymous. Only one vague question was asked of my friend, and that was in connection with something that would benefit Anonymous; otherwise, the group conversation had become a monologue. It was not a matter of needing to speak up and insert herself into the conversation - she tried; Anonymous simply refused to be distracted or be quiet.
My friend said it was not often that she felt like she had completely wasted her time, but she looked at that meeting as an hour she would never get back. A very sad commentary on what should have been an interesting, mutually beneficial and interesting experience.
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