How Can You Be An Interesting Conversationalist?
ByHow many interesting conversations have you had today, this week, or this year? How many have you had in your lifetime? What is an interesting conversation to you? Is it only when someone makes you the center of attention?
Some people are superlative communicators. Others may be hungry to learn the Art of Conversation. Who listens to you as you talk about your ideas, feelings, and interests? Who do you listen to? We have a tendency to listen to someone who first is interested in us. Then we find it is easier to listen to them.
The television and the computer have influenced our personal and professional interaction dramatically. All skills take practice – practice -practice. Planning and preparation are the keys to any success. I believe 95% of personal and career success is the result of our communication skills. The foundation of our communication skills is our Self-Esteem. How can you improve your conversation competence?
First: Develop a powerful vocabulary. Words are tools you have to verbally communicate what thoughts and feelings are going on inside of you. Learn a new word every day. Write it five times and then put the word into a sentence. You can add 365 new words to your vocabulary each year with this process.
Second: Develop your voice so people are comfortable listening to you. Notice the qualities of the voices you like. Decide to cultivate your voice. Speak into a tape recorder and discover the nuances in your speech that can be improved. Sing your favorite songs in the shower and read out loud. This will help you to add color and style to your speaking voice.
Third: Be aware of your body language. Are you aware of your facial expressions? What are your facial expressions saying to the person ? Are they congruent with what you want to communicate? How is the positioning of your body affecting you and the person in front of you? Do you have open or closed body posture? Are you having eye contact? Do you give each person your undivided attention?
It is important to avoid the conversation errors of interrupting and stepping on peoples’ sentences before they finish. Remember, communication power is: 7% words, 38% tone of voice, and 55% body language. Upgrade, refine, and develop these three areas. Take one new action a day. Make it easy. As you layer these actions, day after day, you will surprised at the skills you have acquired in three, six, and twelve months.
Above all – enjoy your conversations, have fun, and then, watch what happens!
McGrane Global Centers can help you with your conversation and communication skills! Look into our Seminars as well as other Self-Help, Motivational Products.
