Start Conversation
Starting
First Contact
Body Language: SOFTEN
Smile
Open Arms
Closed Arms says "Stay Away!"
Forward Lean
Leaning back indicates boredom
Touch
Handshake
Be The first to extend your hand
Eye Contact
Should be Natural
6-inch diameter area around the eyes that provide avisual pathway
Nod
Breaking Ice
Risk vs Rejection
Be The First to Say Hello
Advantage: Opportunity to direct conversation
Take The Initiative to start conversation
Share your ideas, opinions, feelings, and experiences
The more practice, the better response you'll get
Dealing with rejection
Don't automatically assume it's your fault
Ritual Question
Ask easy to answer question about situation/other person
Easiest way:
1. Notice something interesting about the person, offer a compliment
2. Notice something that people is carrying
3. Make a comment/ask a question about based on the situation
Perfect time: sooner is better
Styles
Closed
Follow closed questions with open-ended questions
Make your question easy and straightforward
Open
Reveal free information as fuel for follow-up questions
Reveal free basic facts about yourself before asking related questions
Power of Small Talk
1. Demonstrates willingness to talk
2. Allows people to exchange basic info and common interests
3. Provides an opportunity for speakers to reveal the topics that they want to talk about
Active Listening
Know what to say next after listening to the free info
Don't think next questions, just listen for keywords
Use and listen for keywords
Ask relevant follow-up Questions
Use Examples
Anticipate what the speaker is going to say next
Summarize
Be actively involved
Listen for Iceberg statements e.g. guess-what?
Good listening requires practice and conversation
Seek more info based on free info
Ask info-seeking follow-up question based on free info you've just heard
Free info communicated by:
Clothing
Physical features
Body languages
Personal behavior
Activites
Words
Asking personal questions
'Id love to know, if you don't mind telling me . . . ?"
"I hope I'm not being too personal, but.. . ?"
"If you don't mind my asking . . . ?"
"Excuse me for asking but..."
Avoid Pitfalls When Seeking Information:
Death
Gory Crimes
Unhappy Events
Personal Gossip
Racial/ethnic slurs
Self Disclosure
Reveal free info while asking questions that interest you personally
Why we maintain a privacy:
1. if people knew what we were really like, they would think less of us
2. being too familiar with someone breeds contempt, so remaining mysterious is best
3. if a person knew intimate or personal facts about you, she might use this information against you
Effects on maintain privacy:
Leave impression that you have something to hide
Begin to observe others as they disclose information to you and others
Self-Disclosure—Four Levels to Building Trust:
1. "Cliche" Greetings
2. Exchange some basic personal facts
3. Revealing personal opinions and preferences on different subjects
4. personal feelings— esp. about the people you know and wish to become closer to
Don't go to the opposite extreme of "telling all"
Be realistic about yourself
Reveal your goals and struggles
Don't be afraid of boring the other person
Remembering Names
Why forgot names?
main reason: failing to focus on the moment of introduction
loud music or people talking
5-second strategy
1. Focus on the moment of introductioin
2. Don't think about what to say
3. Repeat the name aloud
4. Think of someone you know with the same name
5. Use the name during and at the end of the conversation
Remembering names in a group
make a "letter chain"
Alternate methods
"Rhymes With ..."
Dan the Man
Fancy Nancy
First Names That Sound Like Action Words
Carol, as in Christmas Carol
Eileen, as in I Lean on a post.
First Names That Sound Like Objects
Bea (bee), Hope, May,
Choose a Feature and Associate It with the Name
Julie's big sparkling eyes make you think of Jewel Julie.
First Names with the Same Initial as a Personal Interest
Greg the Guitarist,
Forgot Names?
Ask the host or someone else to identify
Listen as other guests use names
Peek at a guest list
reintroduce yourself with "Hello, do you remember me? I'm Don. We met quite a while ago at. . ."
With Practice, You Can Become Really Good at Remembering Names
Lasting effects: remembering someone's name makes people instantly like you
Continuing
Keeping Strong
keys to sustaining conversations easily
1. Focus on the situation you are in
Look Outward—Not Inward
Think of Your Situation as a Series of Concentric Circles
2. Find out about the "big" events in the other person's life.
Hot Buttons
areas that are of keen interest to and create enthusiasm in people you talk with and in yourself
How
fish around subject areas with ritual questions
If there are few
What do you like to do on your days off?
What do you like to do for fun?
What do you like to do when you're not working?
What kinds of things are you interested in?
etc
Find ASAP
Revealing your own Hot Buttons to Others
I'm really excited about...
I just finished working on .. .
I just finished working on .. .
Seek Common Interests
3. Balance the two-way information exchange.
Good Conversation Is a Balance of Talking and listening
Balance the Information You Exchange
4. Discuss topics that are important to you
5. Change topics using free information.
Refer to Free information — "I Heard You Mention Earlier . . ."
Listen for Key Words, facts, and Details—and Remember Them!
a negative or inappropriate subject?
Change the subject!
6. Seek out common interests and experiences.
Getting Ideas Across
Why people keep his ideas getting across
People have a resistance to change for many different reasons
People aren't ready to adopt or consider your ideas due to their lack of attention
People had a wishful hearing
People had unwarranted assumptions about the other person
People with habitual secrecy tend to be resentful when you ask ritual question
Opening Channels
Encouraging cooperation and receptivity
by telling others the purpose of your conversation.
"The reason I'm calling is ..."
"I'd like to talk to you about. . ."
etc
When ask a question, tell the person why you want to know
Developing respect for others
Don't ignore people's feelings
increase your sensitivity
ask yourself questions like:
How will what I'm saying make the other person feel?
How will he react to what I'm saying?
Will he feel complimented or put down by what I'm saying?
Explore irrelevant comments
Don't insist that all comments be relevant by ignoring or dismissing comments that seem extraneous
Overcoming Hang-ups
Common Hang-ups
"I'm right—you're wrong!"(Arguing)
Don't Assume That Everything You Know or Believe Is Absolutely True
How to Say "I Don't Agree with You"
"It seems to me . . ."
"Here's the way I see it..."
"I think . . ."
"I believe . . ."
"It's my impression . . ."
"In my opinion . . ."
"It's been my experience . . ."
"I feel differently about it. . "
"I can read a person like a book."(Stereotyping)
People don't like being stereotyped, and they sense when it occurs.
Reserve judgment about people until you have enough data to form a more accurate conclusion
"It doesn 't matter to me." (Being nonassertive)
People like this:
1. Attempting to please others by seeking approval for their behavior
2. Being Passive, not taking responsibility for decision making process
It's good to be flexible, but not indifferent
Express Your Preferences (Even If They Might Be Contrary to Your Partner's)
Assertiveness Pays Off
You have the right to do what you want
and not to do what you don't want to do
Get What You Want by Asking for It
instead of waiting for someone to guess what you want
If you don't want something, simply say no.
Get Involved—Offer an Alternative
Present your ideas and preferences
Don't passively accept anything
Do Your Own Thing
Assertiveness Is Not a Justification for Selfishness and Insensitivity
"Tell me something I don't know."(Bragging)
Saying "I don't know" is likely to make your partner respect you for your honesty
I'm Not Familiar with That... Fill Me In!"
To avoid projecting a false image, admit your shortcomings
"I'm boring."(Copping out)
Give Yourself a Break
Focus on the Positive Events in Your Life—and Talk about Them
Be aware of these common cop-out statements:
"I don't feel like it."
"I didn't have time."
"What difference does it make?"
"I hate it when people ask me what I've been up to"
Ending
Closing Tactfully
The Best Time to End a Conversation
after both parties have expressed themselves to one another
when the time seems right or demands that you go your separate ways
end conversations in a warm and engaging manner
Closing Conversations to leave a Positive Impression
1. Restate something interesting the other person said
2. Say you enjoy the chat
3. (Optional) Say, Let's talk again soon
4. Use the person's name and say goodbye
use open, friendly body language
Setting Out of Problem Conversations
Handling the Complainer
Express some words of sympathy
"It sounds like you're having a tough time,"
"I'm sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble."
"I hope things work out for you,"
"I'm going to go say hello to a friend of mine."
Limit the time you talk about his problemsby first empathizing
Use Tact and Common Sense When Saying No to Year Bos
"I understand that on occasion I'll need to work late. But I have other responsibilities, too, so I won't be available to work past 5:00 EM. on a regular basis,"
Dealing Assertively with the Manipulator
To the persistent salesperson
"I appreciate your en- thusiasm, but don't waste any more of your time. I'm not interested. Thank you anyway."
Summary
Always attempt to end the exchange on a friendly note.
Use the other person's name, add a compliment
"It's been great talking with you,"
Attempt to meet the person again for a specific activity
I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
Tell your partner you enjoyed the conversation
Keep your good-bye short , sweet, warm and friendly
Making Friends
Friendship definition
who give encouragement, feedback, honest opinions, and usually a lot of advice
Someone to trust completely with the most personal feelings and information
someone you can trust with sensitive information and know that he won't hold it against you
Someone who shares common interests and experiences with you and adds to your sense of fulfillment
Four Key Principles
Take the initiative and reach out to others
Show genuine interest in people.
Treat others withrespect and kindness
Value yourself and others as unique individuals who have much to offer
Developing Trust
takes time
You must reveal some personal information and feelings
Don't dissappoint someone's faith in you
To Meet People, Go Where You Have Fun
some places are better than others
Meet People Who Have Similar Interests
New Friendships Can Begin Anywhere
Become Familiar with People
Keep It Friendly—Nothing Too Heavy or Too Serious
It's better to be informal, friendly, and receptive
Remember: Small talk sends the signal: "I'm interested in You"
Use Ritual Questions to Send the Message: "I Want to Get to Know You Better"
Zero in on "Hot Buttons"
Keep an Inventory of Facts and Details About the Person
Making the Other Person Feel Important
Don't Wait to Introduce Yourself
Show You Like the Other Person
Take care not to come on too strong to someone you have recently met.
"How About Meeting Sometime for a Drink or a Cup of Coffee?"
Plan an Activity Around a Mutual Interest
"Hi , Karen, This Is Don. Do You Have a Few Minutes?"
Give your friend a call to confirm the time of your planned meeting
never play "Guess who this is."
Ask a detail about some aspect of the person's life
Tell the other person why you are calling
End your telephone call with a friendly comment
Maintain Contact with People You Like
find activities that you enjoy doing together
continue to maintain contact so the friendship can grow
When you are asked to join an activity by someone, make an all-out effort to accept the invitation
Be Open to New Experiences from Others
Share Activities with Your Friends
Take the initiative and ask your friends to share in activities that you enjoy
Friendships Grow and Develop in Time
Friendships are like plants—they can grow slowly and steadily in time
'The Only Way to Have a friend Is to Be One"
Accept your friend as unique individuals with all the problems, hang-ups, and inconsistencies that all humans possess
Friends Grow Together
Boosting
Conversation Styles
Styles
Candid
Strength
says what's on his mind
see conversation as competition
fun and beneficial to chat with people who shares the same humor, intensity, competitiveness
Weakness
often described as blunt, pushy, or too aggressive
ve a tendency to get impatient with people who have a less ener- getic or direct style.
domineering, boastful, or tactless
Talk about:
sports
crime
business heroes
adventure stories
action movies
politics
entrepreneurial endeavors
money & power
military experiences
Dos
show a genuine interest in their business and personal goals
ask for their opinions and advice
show a self-effacing sense of humor
Donts
get into any debates with them even if they chal- lenge your opinions.
go into overly detailed or complex explanations
take offense if they heckle you or belittle your accomplishments.
Hangback
Strength
Thoughtful
soft-spoken and calm when talk
excellent listener and sympathetic to the feelings of others
Weakness
Tendency to remain passive
get overwhelmed by aggressive or talkative types, and clam up when feeling anxious
fear of saying the wrong thing, being boring, or offending others
Talk about:
relationships
human interest stories
personal stories
movie stars
food, cooking & restaurants
art
music
theater
poetry
dance
home decorating
books
social issues
hobbies
gardening
animals
family
Dos
show a desire to talk about their interests
ask for their views, feelings, and insight about issues that concern people
encourage them to talk by emphasizing common views and interests
Donts
get aggressive,critical,or argumentative
interrupt them or complete their sentences
give up when the conversation takes a little more time to get going
Accurate
Strength
absorb, assess, and impart information
break down procedures from the first detail, then to the next, all the way through to the finish
enjoy "shop talk" and more serious subjects that require detailed knowledge or problem solving
Weakness
rarely to be the one to "break the ice", often seen as shy or unavailable for conversation
tendency to go into excruciating detail about specific topics can cause some people to lose interest
their logical approach can give the impression that you have little patience or others who do not understand technical or complicated subjects
Talk about:
science & math
architecture
computers
design
stock markets
technology
how things work
inventions
science fiction/fantasy
mysteries
home improvement & tools
Dos
praise their technical knowledge
encourage them to talk about subjects outside their specific area of expertise
gently change the conversation to lighter topics of interest
Donts
get into debates or contradict their views
change topics too frequently
be offended if you hear criticism or offers of unsolicited advice
Talkative
Strength
extroverted, energetic conversationalist
enjoy interacting with others
happy to initiate conversations
Weakness
talk too much
tendency to dominate the conversation
sometimes fail to listen or give others a chance to participate
Talk about:
themselves
friends & family
travel
food & entertainment
pop culture
hobbies
self-improvement
successful people
unusual media stories
humorous events
their hopes & dreams
pets
just about anything that isn't technical or complicated
Dos
let them have center stage
share your interests with them
be playful, show your sense of humor, and above all, laugh at their jokes
Donts
get into detailed explanations about technical topics or difficult concepts
feel bad when you interrupt them to speak
discuss heavy topics or get too serious
Using
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses in each of the styles
Build on your strengths and eliminate your weaknesses from each style
Adjust your conversational style to "dance" with the styles of others
Practice chatting with people whose style is different from your own
How to Recognize
pay close attention to body language
pay attention in how the first few minutes of the conversation progress
Is she outgoing or shy?
Does he like to make small talk or only "shop talk?"
Is she to the point or reserved?
Is he argumentative or easygoing?
Make it a habit to observe the four styles as you talk
Cross-Countries Talk
Dos
respect differences
show interest in the other person's country
avoid stereotyping
match your speaking speed and vocabulary with the person's language skills
talk about upbeat topics
Donts
be shy about introducing yourself
take offense if someone says the wrong thing
assume you know the country a person is from
assume understanding
talk about depressing topics
Cross-Cultural Talk
(See the chart in book)
Ways to Learn Customs of People from Other Countries
Visit or Attend Restaurants/Cultural Events, Foreign language class, etc
Read about other countries
Watch movies or television programs
Web Sites
Mobile Phone Etiquette
When late: Tell Your Friend, "I'm on My Way."
Five Golden Rales of Mobile Phone Etiquette
1: Present Company Comes First
2: Turn on "Vibrate" While Attending Social or Business Functions
3: Choose the Right Time to Call
4: Find a Private or Semiprivate Place to Talk
5: Speak at a Normal Volume
Cyber Rules
Email
Rules for Better E-mail
1: Promptly Respond fo E-mail Messages
2: Never E-mai l a Message That You Wouldn' t Want Your Boss, or the Rest of the World to Read
3: Don't Type Your Message in ALL CAPS
4: Keep It Short and Sweet
5: Send Well-Written Messages
Chatrooms
Dos
Lurking
Remember that You Are Talking to People
Read FAQs
Correct Your Chatiquette Goofs
Donts
Be Shy about Jumping into the On-line Discussion
Flame ( Insult ) Other Members of the Group If You Disagree with What They Say
Make Statements You Can't Back Up
Improving Conversations
About Silence
Negotiating tool
Silence Is Okay
How to criticize
encourage with encouragement positive feedback
present open-ended question
Playful Teasing Is a Healthy Way to Convey Feelings and Attitudes
Dealing with Put-Downs
Keep your sense of humor up
Keep your defenses down
Let the other know you have a confident attitude about who you are and what you do
Don't Lose Your Sense of Humor
Put-Downs Can Be a Test of Your Self-Confidence
Ask Open-Ended Questions to Find Out the Real Reason for Put-Downs
"Why do you feel that way?"
The Other Person May Have Some Very Valid Things to Point Out to You
The Best Way to Get What You Want Is to Ask for It Directly
People Can't Read Your Mind
When someone makes a hidden request
"You didn't exactly ask,but do you want me to .. . ?"
"Please, the next time you want me to do you a favor, just ask me directly Then I'll tell you yes or no,"
Very interesting MAP. It's better than reading a book to learn how to start a conversation.
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Added: 2010-12-27 11:50:13
From: (Joined 2010-05-02 16:43:22)
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