I have heard that truly successful people have mastered the art of communication. It makes sense to me. Talking with people isn’t an easy thing however. I have collected a few insights from friends, reading and just hard work thinking about talking with people. I thought I’d pass them on.
- Always start the conversation for a lengthy period by discussing the other person’s stuff. People feel most loved when they think you think they are important and interesting. And it works best if you really do develop a curiosity about people.
- Always take the conversation into the future some how. This can give people courage.
- Remember what you promise. You lose credibility if your follow-up isn’t sound.
- It’s best if you both finish at the same time. Better that everyone would still like to talk more when you’re done. It’s bad when they finish before you do.
- Names are crucial. Remember them.
- People aren’t usually interested in your solutions, they just want to talk about the problem. Let them.
- People will remember more how you made them feel than anything you said.
- Shut your cell phone off.
- A follow up note from the conversation can seal the importance you placed on it.
- Don’t try and one-up their stories even if your’s are spectacularly better.
- Leave a few things unsaid for later conversations.
- When talking on the phone don’t multi-task, people can tell.
- People do want something from you so don’t be offended.
- If you want to make a long-term connection find something to give them or that they can do for you. But do it for real, not just to get what you want. Some people just need skill in making the connections they want to.
- Remember some important fact about their life.
- Remember the most powerful people are encouragers. This means putting courage into their life. Find a way to give them courage.
- Kindness and giving the benefit of the doubt is a friendship step.
- Don’t put down other people. You will make people wonder what you say about them.
- Don’t get too heavy. Most people have enough heavy in their life. They want to communicate with someone who makes life lighter not heavier.
- Thank people for their time.They only have so much and they decided to spend it with you.
This ought to give some ideas for talking with people. We could visit this a few times I imagine. But these are my favorites.
