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Master the
Art of Conversation
by Linda Trignano
The other side of the listening coin is speaking. Speaking to be understood is an art like
listening that requires focus and an ongoing desire to improve this skill.
Ten tips to improve
your “speaking style” are:
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Show a sincere interest in the other
person.
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Don’t be a conversation hog.
Aim for about a 50/50 split with the
other person speaking as much as you.
While this isn’t always the case, it is a good guide to keep in
mind during the conversation.
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Give the gift of time. Give the other person you are speaking
with time to talk about themselves or express their opinion too.
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Pay attention to your body language.
Make sure it is sending the right message
to the person you are speaking with.
You want it to be open and inviting.
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Vary your voice tonality and speed
during the conversation. Convey energy when you need to, and slow down to
‘draw them in close' when it’s appropriate.
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Respect the other person’s “personal
comfort space”. Standing too close
or too far away could send the wrong message and may make them
uncomfortable.
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Check often during the conversation
that your words are reaching the other person. “Reading” the face of your listener gives
you clues as to their interest level.
After all, not everyone wants to hear about your Cousin Harry’s
operation for 30 or 40 minutes!
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Eye contact is important.
It allows you
to connect with the other person and to help make them comfortable
listening to you. Good eye contact
cuts physical distance in half and helps you connect with your listener on
a personal level. Eye contact should last about 4 to 5
seconds. Anything longer may be
considered staring and may make the other person uncomfortable.
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Show empathy to those who may be
uncomfortable making conversation.
If you encounter a shy individual who likes to listen a little more
than the average person, try asking questions to draw them into the
conversation.
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Relax and enjoy the conversation. Be yourself. Be natural. Your comfort will show and enhance the
conversation!
About HR Performance Solutions:
With over 20 years of experience in a corporate
environment, HR Performance Solutions, LLC offers our
clients support in training and mentoring teams in
the public/private sectors, ensuring best HR practices
are being followed and providing individuals with the
coaching tools to successfully handle career
transitions.
HR Performance Solutions'
founder Linda Trignano is focused on helping companies more
effectively handle their people related functions. We help businesses increase
employee value by leveraging our expertise in human resources and communications
to ensure that clients incorporate HR "best practices" into their business.
HR Performance Solutions brings a unique approach to its clients. By
integrating problem identification, action plan development and employee
acceptance into every engagement, we produces results that drive company profits
and value.
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Additional Article:
The Art of The Handshake
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