Consider this: Focus, awareness, being present, in the present moment, fully.
Now, which direction would you travel starting from your current state of a great many thoughts toward that state? Perhaps, reducing them to one would be a good beginning. And, for some, focusing on a prayer, a word or even less is a skillful way to position one's self. You could also use the prayer as a touchpoint. When you notice your mind has gotten away, has wandered, gently guide it back to the prayer, you have a home spot and a guide to know when your thoughts have wandered. It can help.
Some say prayer can be the subtle intention of the heart. Some say you don't have to always be doing the talking, you can try to just listen.
My mate says "the conversation of the soul is always going on, sometimes we just are able to pay closer attention to it.
Personally, I believe there is no one single always right way to pray; pray however enables you to be more aware of the conversation at the time.
I can accept that. I guess I question what I've seen: people just repeating over and over a Hail Mary or an Our Father...just seems to me like nothing is really getting accomplished. Maybe it's just me. I do agree that prayer sometimes is not talking but listening. My main thing is I want to hear the voice of God, and to know that I've heard it. I don't think it's an unobtainable goal.