Do you ever wonder "what to say" when you head off to a networking event or a client meeting? Do you think it's easier to write an email rather than pick up the phone and have a real conversation? Well you're not alone. When we're busy working at our computers all day, generally alone, it's easy to lose the knack of easy conversation. Let's face it, the cat really isn't that interested in what you have to say. Take a few moments to read a few tips to get talking again?
As a fan of the TV show The West Wing; I watched with interest and amusement the "grooming" of the character Toby Ziegler from Communications Director to White House Press Secretary. In addressing the media his assistant constantly reminded him to use the communication skills of wooing a woman. To be "witty and seductive."
In winning over our clients or the media perhaps we don't need to go that far but is does pay to put some "personality" into your customer communication.
For many of us we're busy constantly setting up appointments, meeting new clients, networking and making connections with a number of new people. We are engaged with our personal and professional PR ? communicating who we are, what we do and how we make a difference. Therefore we need to ensure each meeting or contact counts.
Effective communication is important when building relationships with clients, customers and the media. A stimulating conversation or well-told story may be the most interesting part of a meeting, presentation or media interview. Even witty small talk with a potential client can evolve into a new business deal or project. Here is a few conversation pointers to keep in mind when meeting or networking.
1. A good business introduction includes your first and last name and the name of your company.
2. Always introduce yourself to those sitting next to you at a business dinner. If possible, meet everyone at your table before you sit down. Sit next to someone you don't know rather than someone you do know.
3. When introducing your guest or another person at a function, mention both first and last names and perhaps an interesting item of information about that person.
4. Before going to an event, business or social, be prepared to discuss items of current interest including books, films, television shows, or current events.
5. You can find your next conversation starter by reading at least one daily newspaper, weekly news magazine, or watching a morning news show.
6. Take the time to get to know others first. People don't care about you and what you do until they know you care about them. Build relationships and trust first.
7. Beware of being a pushy promoter. We're often so passionate and excited about our business or latest project that we talk too much and over sell ourselves.
8. Listen closely and think before you speak. Don't interrupt, let the other person finish their thought before you give your opinion. Learn to do 80 percent of the listening and just 20 percent of the talking.
9. Listen attentively, smile and make good eye contact.
10. Practice the five words that help create and maintain small talk conversation Who, What, When, Where and Why to form open-ended questions.
In this day and age, it's not uncommon to be aware of things that make people different from one another. In the political realm for instance, the differences between one group of people and another can lead to significant hostilities and even to warfare. But for all the differences that may exist, people everywhere throughout history have shared the notion of spirituality.
Though it may be anyone's guess how long human beings have felt a connection with a perceived spiritual force, it's certainly gone on for a time now. Somewhere along the line the term religion became attached to the idea of spiritual connection, but religion is certainly not uniform. There are different religions obviously, with different belief systems. Some religions emphasize commitment to particular entities over others, while other religions embrace a commitment to the earth.
Religion unfortunately has also become reason for conflict. Members of some religions may consider their belief systems to be most legitimate and closest to pure spirituality. Perspective like these across time have given way to various forms of intolerance, and even hostility. If nothing else, these types of disputes demonstrate how meaningful a spiritual connection is to people.
Though it may not be as well known as more established belief systems, ho'oponopono also has a long spiritual tradition. The ho'oponopono method originated in Hawaii, where generations of people have practiced it. In Hawaii today, ho'oponopono is still practiced on a regular basis. The basic notion behind traditional ho'oponopono is bringing an end to personal conflict. This type of resolution typically involves entire families, and all involved parties are often given the opportunity to air social grievances.
During its timeline, the ho'oponopono practice experienced what might be termed an update. A newer form of ho'oponopono emerged where an individual was given the opportunity to make a healing connection directly with the source of creation. This form of ho'oponopono involved accepting responsibility and making amends for those things the individual was solely responsible for. What may have been most unique about this ho'oponopono form was the notion that the individual was responsible for all the difficulties that appeared in their experience. Another way to put it is that this alternate form of ho'oponopono made the individual the ultimate responsible party.
This updated ho'oponopono method is growing increasingly popular. Books have been written about it, articles have been written about it, and people actually teach this updated ho'oponopono form on a full time basis. Though this ho'oponopono method is far from universally applied, it has a dedicated following that appears to be growing.
Both Sue Currie & Zinn Jeremiah are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sue Currie has sinced written about articles on various topics from The Internet, Patent and Trademark and Marketing. Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace - your inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. Sign up for free monthly t. Sue Currie's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Zinn Jeremiah has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Fitness and Disease & illness. Zinn Jeremiah is an online writer. Get help with ho'oponopono by going to or. Zinn Jeremiah's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.