Next time you’re about to fire off an email, text, or chat message, just remember: Technology-dependence not only has a way of allowing us to disengage with people, but our in-person communication skills could suffer, too. So, before any genuinely human connections begin to languish and atrophy, consider these four tips, abridged from Sami Rusani via Minutes Magazine:

1. Slow down to show interest in what they have to say

Humans thrive off of personal connection and validation. It doesn’t matter if someone is a librarian, a rocket scientist, or an Uber driver. Everyone wants to be seen and heard. Any hard-earned expertise and academic credentials are moot without extending the courtesy and respect toward the person you’re talking to. When you focus on being an active listener, you’re able to be more present. And the person on the other end of the conversation will know it.

2. Don’t put up walls

Your perspective is what determines whether something is inherently interesting or boring. If you want to have interesting conversations, contribute to help make them that way. Staying open allows you to find value in someone else’s hobbies and skills—without sucking up or being disingenuous. As long as you don’t put up any walls, there’s always an opportunity to steer the conversation into sharing a satisfying and rewarding connection.

3. Meet people in the middle

Not everyone you talk to is going to be a kindred spirit. In fact, instant sparks are the exception to the rule. It’s all about making things interesting for both parties. Start by listening for common ground. When you’re in the moment, you’re more apt to discover a mutual interest.

4. See each conversation as an opportunity

You never know who you’re going to meet in life. Don’t hesitate to initiate a conversation with a few safe standard questions, such as “Where are you from?” “How long have you been doing this?” “Are you liking it?” Then go from there without any particular agenda. Hearing about someone’s crazy experiences is not only among life’s joys; it’s often at the heart of what it means to truly connect.