When I first started speaking for a living, I had great difficulty conversing one-on-one with members of my audience. I could speak in front of 2500 people and enjoy every minute of it, but when I was expected to mix and mingle, my tongue turned into thumbs. I decided to get down to work
improving my conversation skills and researched the topic thoroughly. My efforts paid off because now I can talk to anyone, anywhere, for any length of time. Let me share with you what I learned.
* There are three fundamental principles on which a good conversation is based. 1. It is better to be interested than interesting 2. There is nothing as flattering as the undivided attention of another human being. 3. People long to talk about their favorite topic, which is “themselves.” Keep this in mind and you will not be able to stop becoming a great conversationalist.
* Take responsibility for starting and maintaining the conversation.
* I usually start with a friendly “Hi, I’m Mike Moore and I’m from Canada.” Usually the response is “Hi Mike, I’m ____________ and I’m from __________. (Go away, go away).
* Use the person’s name throughout the conversation. Show that you are interested and focused on the other.
* Let the other be the center of attention.
* Show genuine interest in the person you are talking to. Maintain eye contact.
* Ask questions that require more than a one word answer.
* When you ask a question listen carefully to the answer and be quick to ask another question that arises from the answer to the first. You learn what to say by listening carefully to what is said.
* Make the other feel comfortable smiling and nodding frequently during the conversation.
* Speak in terms of the other person’s interests.
* Don’t feel the need to disagree until you know the person better.
GREAT CONVERSATION PHRASES
* “That’s interesting. Tell me more.”
* “Give me an example of what you mean.”
* “How would you like it to turn out?”
* How did you feel when that happened to you?
CONVERSATION STARTERS
* Give a compliment.
* Ask for advice.
* Seek help with something.
* Give compliments.
* Request an opinion.
I have six honest servants
They taught me everything I know.
Their names are what and why and when
And how and where and who.
R. Kipling