INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Conversation is not scripted. While you should be mindful with what you say, you should also improvise to continue conversation. You can try a few technique that actors use onstage to keep a scene going.  Yes...and technique. If you are worried about continuing a conversation, try not to answer questions with a “yes” or a “no.” An example of this might be -- Question: “Did you enjoy your vacation to Italy?” Answer: “Yes...and we got to eat some really great food in Rome!” This takes a simple yes/no question and turns it into more an active conversation.  Go with your gut. While second-guessing may come in handy in some situations, partaking in a conversation may not be the best area. Sometimes, it is best to go with your gut and say what is on your mind. This may not be the best solution for more loquacious speakers, but may work if you find yourself thinking too much before speaking. If you start a conversation with a compliment, or by saying something nice, your audience will be more likely to listen to what you have to say. For example:  ”Question: What did you think about the movie?” Answer: “I really liked the music. Man, I really enjoy watching movies with someone who understands my love for Sci-Fi soundtracks!” ”Question: Do you think this new implementation will work for our clients?” “Answer: “I don't think it is quite ready for launch, but I think the development team did a good job with the login code.” A common acronym “FAQ,” or “frequently asked questions,” shows that there are a common set of questions for any situation. Prepare for these FAQs if you know you're going into a situation where you may have to think quickly.  At work, you might consider what questions will be asked at a meeting on a current project or about employees. During an interview, you may be asked common questions like: “Where do you see yourself in five year” or “What do you feel are your biggest challenges.”  At family gathers, you may be asked about your job or home life. Thinking on your feet may not necessarily be giving an answer quickly. To come up with a comprehensive answer to really impress your audience, you should actively listen to what they have to say.  When someone is speaking, try and pay attention to not only what they are saying it but how they are saying it. This includes body language and intonation. This will give you clues on the best way you should respond. For example: Is the person with you very frustrated? How might you respond to not escalate a situation? If you find yourself having trouble focusing on someone when they speak, try and keep eye-contact with them or look at their face. This will help you focus on what the person is saying and make you appear attentive. If you need to gather your thoughts before you give your answer, there are a few ways that you can articulate your thoughts.  Repeat the question out loud to help jog your memory and help you think of an answer. Narrow the focus to a conversation or answer that you do know a lot about. This might helpful if you are unsure how to answer or react to the whole problem at hand.

SUMMARY: Improvise. Be positive. Think ahead about the questions you might be asked. Listen. Stall for time.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A tent is the most common source of shelter used when camping.  If you haven’t set up your tent before, set it up in your yard once or twice before you arrive at your campsite to get some practice. Tents come in many different sizes.  If you’re camping alone, you could get a small, single-person tent.  If you’re camping with someone else, get a tent that accommodates both of you. If you plan on going hiking or climbing during your camping trip, you’ll want a backpack.  The size of the pack you decide to bring depends on how far you’ll be hiking.  Longer, more intense hikes will require a larger and sturdier backpack, while easier day hikes will only require a small day pack.  Backpacks are either frameless, or have an internal or external frame.  Internal frame packs tend to be more expensive and sit flush against your back. External frame packs are more affordable and tend to provide more ventilation.  However, they are bulkier than internal frame packs. Smaller day packs that don’t hold much are usually frameless. A sturdy rope has lots of uses when camping.  You can use it as a clothesline, or cut it into various lengths in order to hang pots or bind your sleeping pad to your backpack. You'll want to store and coil your rope correctly when you pack it to avoid tangling. A tarp can provide additional protection for the bottom of your tent, or it can be stretched over your tent to keep it extra-dry.  The size of the tarp you get depends on the size of your tent.  The larger your tent, the larger the tarp you bring along. A battery-powered flashlight or headlamp is important for helping you find your way around your campsite after dark. Headlamps can be useful to complete tasks around your campsite, as your hands will be free.  Be sure to pack extra batteries. You might also want to bring a battery-powered lantern. Collapsible camping chairs are perfect for sitting around the fire or just lounging around the campsite.  The best camping chairs are lightweight and sold in specialty backpacking stores. If you’re camping with a group, advise each person in your party to bring a foldable camping chair of their own.

SUMMARY:
Bring a tent. Bring a backpack if you plan on hiking. Bring some rope with 1/4’’ to 1/2’’ (6.3 to 12.7 mm) diameter. Pack a tarp to protect the top or bottom of your tent. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Pack foldable chairs.