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Equipped to...Chat up a Storm!

This newsletter refers to The Art of Conversation, a comprehensive article found on my website.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, social gatherings mean that we need to make conversation with others and, for some, it’s not always that easy. Thoughts fly through our minds such as “I don’t know anyone here, what am I going to say?”; “I don’t want this to sound like a cheap pick-up line or “Am I interrupting a private  conversation?”. Mastering the Art of Conversation, for either one-on-one conversations or small groups, is, therefore, an important life skill to be acquired.

Read more in my full article The Art of Conversation

How to Start a Conversation

Some people really enjoy social events and are undaunted by a room filled with people they don’t know. This often provides a frisson of excitement and becomes an opportunity to ‘get their names out there’ or catch up with those they haven’t seen for a while. The problem is, however, that some of these people lack the skill of conversation – they monopolise conversations and are boring! You may not realise it, but it could be YOU.

For others, the mere thought of having to mingle is enough to create heart palpitations, sweaty palms and the longing to escape to a desert island. Is this YOU?

Well there is good news … With a little practice YOU can master the art of making conversation.

Tips to get you Started

• Plan a few conversation starters before you even get to the event. These can be obvious topics such as the event, food, décor and venue. However, try to be more interesting and think about the latest movies, current events and international news. Use these conversation starters if you need to, but watch your timing – they must sound natural and unplanned.

• If you see someone standing alone go up to them and initiate a conversation. The person you have 'rescued' will be grateful for being rescued, even if they don’t say so. Offer to get them a drink or even accompany them to the buffet table, they may have been too shy to make the first move.

• Only have conversations about topics that include everyone in the group. For example, if five of you are chatting and only three of you work together, don’t talk about your colleagues as the other two will be excluded from the conversation. It is rude and boring.

• Remember to be interesting. Read, listen, think and keep an open mind on debatable topics… then you’ll be able to ‘chat up a storm’.

For examples of conversation starters read The Art of Conversation

And… 

Do the course!

The Practical Art of Making Conversation

Please join me for my one-day course ‘The Practical Art of Making Conversation’ on Thursday 7 November at UpMarket (40 Gladys Mazibuko Road, formerly Marriott Rd).

Registration takes place at 8:30am and the course runs from 9am – 4:30pm with lunch included. Cost: R795pp. Book Now

What do YOU think?

Share your wisdom with others… How do you begin a conversation?

What's Next?

Watch out for my next newsletter where you will be
E-Quipped to... Escape From the Anger Trap!

Regards

More About Me

My goal is to inspire you to make the changes necessary to live the life of your dreams! I believe that by developing your YOU-Q - the term I have created to describe your unique intelligence, creativity and wisdom – you can find your Inner winner and live a Be-YOU-tiful life right now. On my website you'll find more ideas to get you thinking about life, love, work and other important STUFF - all based on my work as a practicing psychologist, speaker, trainer and life coach (and hat lover!)

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