In a conversation, by definition there must always be at least two ‘sides’, or parties, involved.
(I mean, sure, you can have a conversation with yourself, but, that’s also known as ‘thinking’.)
Thus, with two parties involved, there are some basic elements:
When one party speaks, the other should be listening with the intention to understand, and without interrupting.
Silence can be both a helpful tool and also a passive weapon, so, use it when it’s helpful, not hurtful.
If both sides are able to express how they feel, and what can be done right now in order to improve that, you’re on the right track.
Matt Fried 