Four secrets that ensure great conversations – an article that I found in the archives – my source is unknown – 8 years is a long time!

1 Listen effectively

• How many people do you know who truly listen to every word you say? Think about the people you enjoy being with the most. Isn´t it true they really pay close attention to you when you have something important to say?
• It´s a shame but very few people care enough to really listen attentively to the people in their life. They get so busy and caught up in their own problems that they are rarely completely present for anyone.
• When you develop superior listening skills you will be head and shoulders above most other people who know better but still don´t listen.
• Being a great listener is a sure fire way to make new friends, to make people feel deeply appreciated and to build deep rapport grounded in mutual trust and respect.

2 Know your purpose

• Quality communication requires you to know not only what you want to discuss but also why you want to talk about that topic. A clear and definite sense of purpose will guide you and help you to be flexible in your approach.
• Mediocre and poor standards of communication share a lack of purpose that destroys any potential for meaningful effective communication.
• You need a clear sense of purpose to ensure you persist and maintain flexibility when the dialogue goes off track. It is far too easy to let the conversation drift unless you hold in mind your purpose.
• Whatever the nature of the discussion unless you know your purpose you are unlikely to achieve what you set out to get done.

Image from http://www.clker.com

3 Share your insights and opinions

• You are a unique individual with interesting personal viewpoints and a perspective all of your own. You must have the courage to express yourself as you are to truly be effective.
• The world does not need another clone of someone else. Sing your song or the whole world misses out on your special sound.
• Decide to share more of yourself and make a point of letting others know what you think and feel. Do so with rapport and you may well find that people are very interested to hear what you have to say.

4 Make sure you have a common understanding

• High quality communication is characterised by an ongoing dialogue that is punctuated by checks for understanding by all parties to the conversation.
• The failure to check assumptions are valid and that the other people present know what you mean takes skill and constant attention to both verbal and non verbal cues.
• In many ways a free flowing conversation is very much like driving a car. Unless you are watching for feedback and aware of what is going on you will not be able to steer the conversation and keep it on track.

If you feel good about yourself, if you feel confident and at ease others assume you to be confident and at ease. They then respect you more. And all because you decided to respect yourself.

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At each event you will have the opportunity to meet numerous other senior decision makers from locally based businesses in a relaxed and focused environment. It is a proven way and sustainable way of continuing to develop opportunities.

• You will generate opportunities that will enhance your business
• You will build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers
• The networking is relaxed and comfortable
• You will the opportunity to promote your business and expertise
• You will build a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business
• You will generate an ROI on your networking
• Conversations lead to connections and collaborations