Improving Conversations
Our ability to communicate with others will account for the success of our business. The fact is the most successful Business Leaders are also the best communicators.
One of the keys to becoming a great conversationalist and Improving Conversations is to pause before replying. A simple short pause, of three to five seconds, is a very classy thing to do in a conversation. When we pause, we accomplish three very important goals simultaneously.
First and foremost, we avoid running the risk of interrupting if the person is just catching their breath before continuing. Number two, we show them that we are giving careful consideration to their words by not jumping in with our own comments at the earliest opportunity. The third and most important benefit of pausing is that we will actually hear and understand the person. Their words will soak into a deeper level of our mind and we will understand what they are saying with greater clarity. By pausing, we will mark ourselves as a brilliant conversationalist.
Another way to become a great conversationalist is to ask clarifying questions. Never assume that we understand what the other person is saying or trying to say. Instead, ask, “What do you mean, exactly?” Keep in mine open ended questions are always the best.
This is one the most powerful questions for controlling a conversation that I have ever used and it is almost impossible not to answer. When we ask, “What do you mean?” the person will not stop themselves from answering more extensively. We may then follow up with other open ended questions to keep our conversation rolling along.
By paraphrasing the other person’s words is another good way of becoming an excellent conversationalist. By paraphrasing their words, we demonstrate in no uncertain terms that we are genuinely paying attention and making every effort to understand their thoughts and/or feelings.
Listening also builds self-discipline. Because our mind processes about 500 words per minute, and we speak at about 125 words per minute, it takes a real effort to keep our attention focused on the other person’s words. If you do not practice self discipline in conversation, our mind will wander in a hundred different directions. The more we work at paying close attention to what the other person is saying, the more self disciplined we will become.
Starting today, make a habit of pausing before replying in any conversation or discussion and listen effectively. You will be amazed at how powerful these techniques really are.
“Remember, Success is always Within Reach”
#terry ogburn #entrepreneur #Business #Business Development #Business Sales #business coach #business coaching
One of the keys to becoming a great conversationalist and Improving Conversations is to pause before replying. A simple short pause, of three to five seconds, is a very classy thing to do in a conversation. When we pause, we accomplish three very important goals simultaneously.
First and foremost, we avoid running the risk of interrupting if the person is just catching their breath before continuing. Number two, we show them that we are giving careful consideration to their words by not jumping in with our own comments at the earliest opportunity. The third and most important benefit of pausing is that we will actually hear and understand the person. Their words will soak into a deeper level of our mind and we will understand what they are saying with greater clarity. By pausing, we will mark ourselves as a brilliant conversationalist.
Another way to become a great conversationalist is to ask clarifying questions. Never assume that we understand what the other person is saying or trying to say. Instead, ask, “What do you mean, exactly?” Keep in mine open ended questions are always the best.
This is one the most powerful questions for controlling a conversation that I have ever used and it is almost impossible not to answer. When we ask, “What do you mean?” the person will not stop themselves from answering more extensively. We may then follow up with other open ended questions to keep our conversation rolling along.
By paraphrasing the other person’s words is another good way of becoming an excellent conversationalist. By paraphrasing their words, we demonstrate in no uncertain terms that we are genuinely paying attention and making every effort to understand their thoughts and/or feelings.
Listening also builds self-discipline. Because our mind processes about 500 words per minute, and we speak at about 125 words per minute, it takes a real effort to keep our attention focused on the other person’s words. If you do not practice self discipline in conversation, our mind will wander in a hundred different directions. The more we work at paying close attention to what the other person is saying, the more self disciplined we will become.
Starting today, make a habit of pausing before replying in any conversation or discussion and listen effectively. You will be amazed at how powerful these techniques really are.
“Remember, Success is always Within Reach”
#terry ogburn #entrepreneur #Business #Business Development #Business Sales #business coach #business coaching