6 Ways to Improve Your Conversations _ Entrepreneur

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6 Ways to Improve YourConversations

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JULY 28, 2014

The solution to the age-old problem of

understanding others may be as simple as

taking the time to improve your active

listening skills. Active listening is all about

building rapport, understanding and trust.

Your “likability” factor is largely determined by

your ability to effectively listen to client and

customer suggestions and successfully

respond to their needs, requests and

concerns. But you don’t have to be born with

the gift of gab to become an expert

communicator. Here are six tips to help you

become a better listener and actually hear

what others are saying, not just what you think

they are saying or what you want to hear.

Related: 5 Ways to Be a Better Listener

1. Show a real interest. When you speak to

someone, especially in a busy or loud

JACQUELINE

WHITMORECONTRIBUTOR

Author, Etiquette Expert,

and Founder of The

Protocol School of Palm

Beach

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can’t hear them well, ask to move to a quieter

area. Practice empathetic listening. Put

yourself in his or her shoes and try to see the

situation through his or her eyes. Ask

questions and encourage the other person to

elaborate. Even if you haven’t experienced the

same situation, try sharing a personal story

about a time when you felt similarly.

2. Use the magic words: “Tell me.” Most

people will cherish the opportunity to share

their stories and experiences. To start a

conversation, use the two most powerful

words in conversation: “Tell me.” Successful

conversationalists avoid questions that may be

answered with a simple yes or no. Ask

open-ended questions and then listen. For

example, you may say, “Tell me, Joe, what

prompted you to start your own business?” Or

ask for their input, “I’d like to take my family on

a vacation this summer. Tell me, do you have a

favorite vacation spot?” When you choose a

topic of conversation that demonstrates

interest in the other person, the discussion will

flow more smoothly.

Related: For Better Conversations, Replace

'How Are You?' With This One Phrase

3. Say the other person’s name. Dale

Carnegie once said, “A person’s name is to

that person, the sweetest, most important

sound in any language.” Any business

acquaintance will be flattered and impressed if

you remember his or her name. If you have

difficulty remembering names, set out to

practice as frequently as possible. When you

meet someone for the first time, say the

person’s name immediately. Respond with

something like, “It’s a pleasure to meet you,

Frank.” Then use their name a couple of times

throughout your conversation. When the

JACQUELINE WHITMORE

JACQUELINE WHITMORE

JACQUELINE WHITMORE



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4. Agree heartily; disagree softly. When someone agrees with you, it

establishes an instant bond. Suddenly, you both have something in

common. However, the strongest professional relationships exhibit

mutual respect and admiration, even in disagreements. Tolerance and

respect for others, especially when they disagree with you, is vital to

successful networking. If you strongly disagree with someone’s

opinion, softly communicate that you don’t see it the same way. Ask

questions and allow the person to fully express his or her reasoning.

Related: The 3 Qualities of Likable People

5. Talk less; listen more. When someone speaks to you, listen with

your whole body. Nod, make eye contact, and be fully engaged in

what they have to say. Attentive listening will build trust and help you

establish a professional relationship. When given the opportunity, ask

pertinent questions, which will help demonstrate your sincere interest.

If you don’t understand, ask for specifics. You could ask a clarifying

question such as, “If I hear you correctly, you’re saying…Is that right?”

It’s best to confirm your assumptions rather than risk a

miscommunication.

6. Don’t interrupt or change the subject. Many assertive

professionals finish others’ sentences out of habit. If you jump in and

interrupt someone’s sentence, you prevent him or her from fully

expressing his or her thoughts. Though your intentions may be good,

the other person may perceive you to be a know-it-all or in a rush. Or

worse, the person may think you are trying to put words in his or her

mouth. Always permit the other person enough time to finish their

thought before you respond. Your patience and thoughtfulness will be

appreciated.

Related: Break the Ice: 8 Networking Tips for Introverts

Leadership Communication Strategies Listening

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