May 5, 2006

Conversations

Conversation is essential to life. It is a way to share ideas and to meet the need of human contact.

Personal and business relationships begin with an initial conversation. Picture yourself on a plane; how would it feel to share a conversation with your seatmate, a stranger? When you are in line for lunch at a business conference, have you asked a fellow attendee that you do not know to join you?

Conversations take place all day long: in school, on the phone, at a meeting or in a social setting. This is the way we keep in touch, accomplish a project, coordinate times and places, exchange advice or communicate love.

Everyone is interesting. By being interested in your conversational partner you can learn something new about yourself, about them or about a mutual situation.

Initially we converse in small talk to discover if we want to continue the conversation. This is talk about the weather or current events, with no disclosure of personal things. If the small talk is enjoyable, we usually want to know the person better, so we disclose facts about hobbies and occupations, sparking a common interest. From there we move to sharing viewpoints and opinions and then finally, disclosing personal situations. Reaching the last conversation level usually takes time and commitment.

Being truthful, a good listener and knowing when to speak and when to be silent are key components of a meaningful conversation. Be curious and non judgmental when seeking to understand a new idea. Focusing your attention on your conversation partner, adding sincere and gentle questions sprinkled with a touch of humor and Voila!, you have a formula for a successful conversation.

Coaching relationships begin with a 30 minute complimentary phone conversation. During this call the coach and the client become acquainted and through thoughtful questions discover what the client truly wants. Call soon and together we will approach your questions.

Coaching Tips:

• At your next conference/meeting will you initiate a business conversation?
  
  
• When do you plan to have a meaningful conversation with your parents?
  
  
• Be courageous and speak to that attractive person across a crowded room.

With warm regards,

Susan Sadler Hayman
International Life Transitions Coach
Call me at 662-238-7754
www.susanhayman.com

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