You may be a great conversationalist. With just a small amount of practice folks will hold onto your every word, think about you as brilliant and beguiling and you'll soon find the invites begin to flow. Now some may be born with a silver tongue, but more are likely to have developed the art of talking over a period.
Here are my 7 basic conversation tips to get you started. They have truly worked for me, and with a little practice, they'll work for you, too.
1. Think about setting a private target of having a conversation with 2 or 3 people whom you've never met. For example, most of us when we go shopping are on a mission. Spend money. Bring home something in turn. This is not unlike attending an event; however , rather than spending money, we are spending some time; in place of getting a product or service, we meet new people, make new friends and build new relations.
2. Keep in mind the kind of event; plan some general conversation subjects ahead of time and keep them tucked in your back pocket (you might say). If the conversation lags, you have an instant subject to re-engage and re-energize.
3. When introducing yourself to somebody new, consider having a momentarily prepared introduction about yourself, designed to roll off the end of your tongue. Atlernatively you can just open with, "Hello/Hi there. I'd like to introduce myself; I'm ________." or "Hi, I am ___________." And, smile.
4. Consider utilising open-ended questions to inspire dialogue. Words like 'How ' (How did that happen?), or 'What ' (In what way? What did you find?) help, encourage and excite conversation. Your goal here is to solicit more than one word answers. Bear in mind that you wish to keep the conversation moving, and not have it stop dead in its tracks before it gets going.
5. Let folk know that you are happy to meet them. Grin, and look at them. Of course , it is awfully tough to continue a conversation with somebody if you are not looking them in the eye.
6. While it could be a real challenge , work at becoming conscious of your body language like how you stand or sit, your facial expressions and hand movements, your tone of voice and rate of speaking. Your verbal and non verbal cues will indicate to your conversation partner your interest and eagerness to stay, or your absence of interest and need to get out and away.
7. Start tiny, with short conversations about 4 to 5 minutes in length. Pose questions. Give replies. Avoid interrupting, and avoid attaching yourself to one person or one group. Remember your private goal: meet up with new people, make new buddies and build new relations.
You'll be staggered by how quickly your Rolodex grows!
While I continue to, don't say "Yes" to each invite that lands in my mail box, I have been known to say "Yes" to quite a few and always put into practical use my seven tips. There are occasions when I feel like a shirt heading down the laundry chute, arms flapping at full speed when I'm at an event. There is almost always a small adrenaline rush that precedes me before I start up the following conversation. Therefore am I witty, pleasant, and charming? Not yet , but I'm getting forceful darn close.
Here are my 7 basic conversation tips to get you started. They have truly worked for me, and with a little practice, they'll work for you, too.
1. Think about setting a private target of having a conversation with 2 or 3 people whom you've never met. For example, most of us when we go shopping are on a mission. Spend money. Bring home something in turn. This is not unlike attending an event; however , rather than spending money, we are spending some time; in place of getting a product or service, we meet new people, make new friends and build new relations.
2. Keep in mind the kind of event; plan some general conversation subjects ahead of time and keep them tucked in your back pocket (you might say). If the conversation lags, you have an instant subject to re-engage and re-energize.
3. When introducing yourself to somebody new, consider having a momentarily prepared introduction about yourself, designed to roll off the end of your tongue. Atlernatively you can just open with, "Hello/Hi there. I'd like to introduce myself; I'm ________." or "Hi, I am ___________." And, smile.
4. Consider utilising open-ended questions to inspire dialogue. Words like 'How ' (How did that happen?), or 'What ' (In what way? What did you find?) help, encourage and excite conversation. Your goal here is to solicit more than one word answers. Bear in mind that you wish to keep the conversation moving, and not have it stop dead in its tracks before it gets going.
5. Let folk know that you are happy to meet them. Grin, and look at them. Of course , it is awfully tough to continue a conversation with somebody if you are not looking them in the eye.
6. While it could be a real challenge , work at becoming conscious of your body language like how you stand or sit, your facial expressions and hand movements, your tone of voice and rate of speaking. Your verbal and non verbal cues will indicate to your conversation partner your interest and eagerness to stay, or your absence of interest and need to get out and away.
7. Start tiny, with short conversations about 4 to 5 minutes in length. Pose questions. Give replies. Avoid interrupting, and avoid attaching yourself to one person or one group. Remember your private goal: meet up with new people, make new buddies and build new relations.
You'll be staggered by how quickly your Rolodex grows!
While I continue to, don't say "Yes" to each invite that lands in my mail box, I have been known to say "Yes" to quite a few and always put into practical use my seven tips. There are occasions when I feel like a shirt heading down the laundry chute, arms flapping at full speed when I'm at an event. There is almost always a small adrenaline rush that precedes me before I start up the following conversation. Therefore am I witty, pleasant, and charming? Not yet , but I'm getting forceful darn close.
About the Author:
An accomplished and award winning
speaker, Dorothea Hendriks
brings you presentations, keynotes, coaching and workshops that engage,
entertain and inform. Some say her enthusiasm is a tonic. Dorothea’s expertise is teaching
people how to connect, communicate and develop working relationships. Whether
you are speaking to a large group, or having a one-on-one conversation, her
emphasis on the soft skills of communication, attitude, interpersonal,
networking, and conversational development for positive
outcomes that will build sales and promote careers. A successful entrepreneur, Dorothea focuses on helping you
go beyond your personal barriers, through public speaking, presentation
techniques, in order to successfully navigate your networking events with
poise, grace and results.
speaker, Dorothea Hendriks
brings you presentations, keynotes, coaching and workshops that engage,
entertain and inform. Some say her enthusiasm is a tonic. Dorothea’s expertise is teaching
people how to connect, communicate and develop working relationships. Whether
you are speaking to a large group, or having a one-on-one conversation, her
emphasis on the soft skills of communication, attitude, interpersonal,
networking, and conversational development for positive
outcomes that will build sales and promote careers. A successful entrepreneur, Dorothea focuses on helping you
go beyond your personal barriers, through public speaking, presentation
techniques, in order to successfully navigate your networking events with
poise, grace and results.
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