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:

1. Show a sincere interest in the other person.
2. Don’t be a conversation hog. Aim for about a 50/50 split with the other person speaking as much as you. While this is not always the case, it is a good guide to keep in mind during the conversation.
3. Give the gift of time. Give the other person you are speaking with time to talk about themselves or express their opinion too. 
4. 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. 
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Relax and enjoy the conversation. Be yourself. Be natural. Your comfort will show and enhance the conversation!

About Trignano Consulting - With over 24 years of experience in a corporate environment, we offer 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. Trignano Consulting' 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 succeed in their business operations. We bring a unique approach to our clients. By integrating problem identification, action plan development and employee acceptance into every engagement, we produce results that drive company profits and value. We can be reached at www.trignanoconsulting.com 973-722-9961 

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To set up an exploratory session to see which of our training workshops or assessments fit your company's needs call us at 973-722-9961 or email at info@ trignanoconsulting.com

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