REVISION

How to take the lead ?

How to break the ice ?

How to maintain a conversation ?

Tips for tip-top listening.

Chapter 7 : Prevent Pauses with Preparation

1. Don’t Let Old Acquaintances Be Forgotten. -- nature of the occasion and people

• Bring me up to date on …..• What has your year been ?• What’s new with the family ?

2. Getting a History Lesson -- background & history of the people

• What got you interested in…… ?• What brought you to location ?• Who gave you the idea for this

business ?

3. Ask “Interview” Questions --- person, event , situation

• What do you enjoy most about this time of the year ?

• What got you involved in this organisation/event ?

• What has been your most important work experience ?

4. Nonverbal Part of the Conversation

-- pay attention to the speaker -- ask appropriate questions -- pay attention to body language

5. Ordinary People

-- common topics eg bills, kids, hobbies, vacations -- extraordinary experience

6. Limelight Etiquette

-- public venue -- easy, positive, light information -- off-limit subjects

Eg. Vacation• Something about yourself• Offer new topic• Others can share experiences

7. Speak No Evil

• Personal misfortunes, particularly current ones

• Controversial subjects• Gossip • Anything negative

8. Sincere & Perfect Compliment

(a) appearance, eg. hairstyle, clothing, jewelry

• What an unusual tie. VS• That’s a great tie. Its unusual

design really sets it apart. I always enjoy it when men make fashion statements with their ties.

8. Sincere & Perfect Compliment

(b) possessions eg. home, new car, cup

• This is a great cup of coffee. VS• I love the richness of

Indonesian Sumantra, and this is a great-size mug.

8. Sincere & Perfect Compliment

(c) behaviours

• I appreciate how organized you are for our meetings. It makes it easy to get the work done.

• It must have taken a lot of courage to change careers during your peak success. I really admire that.

9. FORM

(a) Family

• Tell me about your family. Does everyone live in the area ?

• What do you like best about being a father or mother ?

9. FORM

(b) Occupation

• What got you into your current job/business ?

• What are some of the toughest challenges in your field ?

9. FORM

(c ) Recreation

• How do you spend your leisure time ?

• What’s been your favourite vacation ?

9. FORM

(d) Miscellaneous

• Have you seen any good movies lately ?

• What do you thing about the economy ?

Chapter 8 : Conversational Killers

1. The Interrogator -- Ask open ended questions

2. The Braggart -- Redirect the conversation

3. The One-Upper -- Tough to topple

4. The Monopolizer -- surrender if boss, client, mother-in-law -- for host, invite guest into the dialogue

Chapter 8 : Conversational Killers

5. The Interrupter -- Exit immediately -- Change the uncomfortable topic right away

6. The Poor Sport -- Answer a closed –ended questions as if had been open-ended

7. The Know-It-All -- What is your opinion ?

8. The Advisor -- Listen , empathy, compassion