Conversations

From the workshop I attended today presented by the CEO/Founder of Compelling Conversations and author of “Transformational Business and Communication Strategist”, there were some good tips on conducting successful conversations.   Following are some of the highlights:

• Address your audience rather than just trying to gather the information you need or focusing on yourself.   This includes understanding the differences in gender communications
• Seek emotional connection instead of just listing facts (allows switch from left to right brain)
• Pay attention to body language, tonality, and words (e.g. some words are better for connecting, such as "imagine" or "share" or "excited")
• A good starter is to ask if the person has time or if this is a good time to talk.   When you ask people "How are you?", ensure that you stop to listen to the answer; and don't ask that of people you don't know 
• Typically, people can only process information in threes, fives, or sevens  (bullet points are more effective than long sentences)
• Create a sense of safety, so that insecurities don't pop up
• Bring out the things that make you unique so that your conversation can stand out (include laughter)
• Don't write emails or make calls when you are angry, overly stressed, etc.   Include in email a greeting or intro, state purpose and timeframe,  and finish up with a unique way of signing out