MADEINC
your career success and personal growth.
As takeaways from IGNITE, we gathered
some best practices help smooth your
conversations in the future.
1. EMBRACE SMALL TALK
How many times have you started speak-
ing with someone at a party, had a great
conversation and then left without even
knowing his or her name? It happens too
often. If you’ve met someone or are being
introduced to someone who might be great
to collaborate with, work with or even be
a potential client – make sure that you get
personal with them, learn their name and
how to read them. Be sure to exchange
business cards to keep the conversation
going. If you think you will forget, send the
person an email on the spot.
2. LEAD WITH A COMPLIMENT
Small talk is taboo to some people, and
while it’s not the most fulfilling type of
conversation, it is both functional and nec-
essary. Small talk is what leads the way to
deeper conversation, much in the way that
a car must gradually accelerate to a certain
speed rather than hitting 60 miles an hour
instantaneously.
Small talk topics are easy to pull—you
can talk about the event you’re attending,
comment on a food or drink item, point
something out about the venue, or if you’re
desperate, you can talk about the weath-
er. These are all shared experiences that
anyone can relate to, so they can work for
any individual.
3. FIND COMMON GROUND
Compliments are the best possible way to
begin a conversation. Not only do they pro-
vide a perfect opening line and a possible
door for discussion, they also make the
person feel good about themselves. Starting
the conversation off on a positive note is
crucial to keep the conversation going.
4. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS
Finding common ground requires listen-
ing; you need to be fully present in the
moment. Setting boundaries that allow
you to be wholeheartedly engaged in the
conversation, not distracted by your phone
or another problem you’re thinking about
in your head changes the nature of how
you listen.
5. EXUDE CONFIDENCE
If you want to move from small talk to real
conversation, you have to look for any
opportunity that leads you to change the
subject. Don’t try to abruptly change gears
and talk about something deep or
substantial; instead, patiently wait for the
opportunity to present itself.
Questions are conversational lubricant.
Pay attention as much as you can to the
conversation and use them to move it
forward. You should be scouting the entire
conversation for “tell me more” opportuni-
ties. Keep potential questions in the back
of your mind. Try to be as specific and
inquisitive as possible.
6. MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
In business conversations, it is converse
with a purpose and leave with a lasting
impression so that the follow up will be a
slam dunk. Share your passions, interests
and short term goals with your chat partner.
You never know what idea may spark from
similar interests that come up. Put it all on
the table and be sure to follow up to
connect the dots (preferably within 48
hours of the conversation.)
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