DEVELOPMENT
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PRESENTING ONE-SIDED FACTS In today ’ s modern world , people are more sceptical than ever . Make sure you ’ re credible by presenting balanced logical arguments that can be backed up with facts .
ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE DISTRACTED Have you ever spoken to someone who was distracted by something other than you and your conversation with them ? Bet it didn ’ t make you feel so good . So , don ’ t do it to others . It makes it seem like you don ’ t care enough to stay connected to the person and what ’ s being said .
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DENYING , BLAMING OR JUSTIFYING POOR DECISIONS These are all traits of a person with a ‘ victim mentality ’ and this can be a serious turn-off in an interaction . We all make mistakes and people respect those who can take responsibility .
HAVING INDIRECT EYE CONTACT THAT MAKES YOU APPEAR INSINCERE OR DISINTERESTED Building rapport starts with good eye contact … But don ’ t stare ! Simply be sure to look at the person . Then relax your face and connect through your eyes .
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DEMONSTRATING PUSHY BEHAVIOUR While it ’ s good to be committed and passionate , few people like being sold to . So , focus more on the other party and less on your own agenda to ensure you ’ re not guilty of forcing your ideas on people .
OVERSTATING THE FACTS While it ’ s great to be excited about your idea , don ’ t get into the habit of exaggerating the facts . If you are perceived to be embellishing , overstating or distorting the facts you may be seen as lacking in integrity . Always be truthful and honest .
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TELLING TOO MANY STORIES While personal stories are a powerful tool to communicate your ideas , too many is boring . You ’ re trying to have a conversation – remember that it ’ s not a one-way street .
FORGETTING TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT People aren ’ t mind readers and you can ’ t persuade someone if they ’ re confused about what you ’ re asking for . Make ask for the thing you want a priority . You get in life what you have the courage to ask for .
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SEEMING DESPERATE Desperation has a vibe about it that ’ s a real turn-off to people . And it opens you up to negotiations that may leave you feeling used and unfulfilled . Let ’ s find the balance – do what you can to feel confident in yourself and your idea or offer but don ’ t beg or plead .
TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF TOO MUCH Only talk about yourself to the extent that it builds rapport and establishes the necessary amount of credibility . Then stop . Speaking about yourself the whole time can see the other person lose interest – fast .
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FORGETTING SOMEONE ’ S NAME , OR NEVER KNOWING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE If you ’ re trying to persuade someone , you need to build trust and respect . But without a key fact like a name , you ’ re not likely to get that . Care enough about your prospect or stakeholder to know the important details and get them right every time .
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ASKING TOO MANY QUESTIONS When you ’ re trying to convey your ideas to someone else , remember that it ’ s not an interview or an interrogation . Don ’ t over-question ( and scare off ) your prospect or stakeholder .
Summer Issue 2023 | Executive PA 59