In an increasingly digital world, it seems we’ve lost touch with art of conversation these days. We text, Skype, Facebook, tweet often more times than we have face-to-face conversations. So, now those conversations seem more like we’re talking at people, instead of to them.
Talking TO someone means to be engaged in the other person and have an open and comfortable conversation. To talk AT someone is to have a conversation that seems scripted (or texted!).
Certain interpersonal communication skills seem to be have been lost in the fog. When meeting someone, be remembered and appreciated for knowing to talk “to” a person instead of being another person who is only spewing information or orders.
Using someone’s name in a conversation is one of the ways to to keep the interaction genuine. Sounds pretty basic, right? But, a person’s name is the sweetest sound that they can hear. And remembering someone’s name is more important and powerful than you think.
When a new colleague or a person you look up to has taken the effort to remember your name, isn’t it uplifting?
Below are a few more pointers for your next conversation and, with a little bit of effort, we can revive the art of conversation!
- Begin in a friendly way
- No one likes stale faces – smile!
- Name is more than just a four-letter word
- Be an active listener.
- Ask questions that allow the other person to be engaged. People like to know that you care enough to pay attention.
- Let the other person fit in their ideas or feelings
- Uplift your listener – don’t criticize them or put them down
- Be careful of being long-winded
- Know when the conversation has ended