How do I become a good phone conversationalist!?

Question

This just happened with a friend on the phone.

I called him earlier this morning and asked whats up and he said nothing and said he'd call me later
and so he did
I asked him whats up again and he said nothing, told him some stuff about what I've been doing to see if he'd relate and maybe talk but there was lots of silence, I tried to ask him what was wrong and why he was so silent but he didnt say a thing and then i accidentally hung up on him and when i called back i asked him why was he being so quiet and not talking? and he raised his voice and said "cause i don't wanna talk!" and hung up on me.
I texted him asking why he hung up and he said
"beats earlier I told you I was gonna call back..thought you might've brought up a conversation but apparently not"
and i was like OMG I MUST GO READ BOOKS NOW on how to be a good conversationlist D:
i told a friend of both of ours about his behavior and they talked to him, said he was talking fine. What happened?

What do I do!

Answer 1

Practice

Answer 2

If you're observant it can come in handy. Make an observation and boom, there's your ice breaker. It doesn't seem like you have trouble initiating a conversation thoughjust maintaining it. The first rule is that one word answers are out. Don't just answer, "yes, no, tomorrow, I don't know." Don't just shrug. Simple explanations give you more subjects and words to use that trigger more banter. "Hey, do you like to read?" "Nope." Versus, "Not really, unless you count sports magazines. Do you read?" The second rule is that an attempt at humor will usually be honored if only to be polite and it will extend the conversation. The third rule is that a question forces a response. If the other person gives you a one word answer, ask them to elaborate. If anything sparks your interest, it's okay to inquire. It's also okay to have an opinion and ask for the other person's opinion. When you say what you're thinking, it's more genuine that way. A conversation is just open communication, voicing your thoughts.

Answer 3

Take an interest in the other person. Ask questions about them and what is going on in their lives. What do you want to know about them, likes, dislikes, favorite things, etc... Don't ask yes or no questions, or questions that can be answered with one word. For instance:

Don't say Did you enjoy the concert?
Do say What did you think about that band?

Answer 4

Be calm and stay relaxed. Know how to LISTEN...it will help you!