CONVERSATION
For better or for worse, your conversation is your personal advertisement. Everytime you open your mouth, you let people look into your mind. A kindergarden said," Talking is when you do all of it. Conversation is when you listen in between." Someone once said, "A definition of a bore is a person who talks when you wish him to listen".
Conversation involves at least two people. You can guide the conversation without monopolizing it. Some people are much easier to converse with than ohers. When possible, get information about the person; his special interests, abilities, occupation, etc. Asking questions that cannot be answered by "yes" or "no" can often start a conversation. These questions should show genuine interest without being nosey.
Be at ease during silences. If you are uncertain about what you should say, try silence;however, silence needs to be well spaced. If all parties are silent, there is no conversation.
Avoid finishing sentences for the person talking, supplying punchlines for a story, contradicting, interrupting or having a far away look. If you must talk to someone who is involved in a conversation, try to quietly get the attention of the person;that person should then acknowledge you. Otherwise wait for a lull in the conversation, excuse yourself and ask to speak to Mr. so and so.
Being a good conversationalist is an art and can be cultivated and developed. Like all the other areas of self improvement, there must be desire first, then the willingness to learn the ingredients of good conversation and the self-discipline to develop them.
We need to have opinions without being opinionated. You should try in everything you do, to make the other person a bit happier for having associated with you.
What you say is important, but HOW you say it contributes to the effectiveness of what you say. Improve your speech habits. A tape recording is a great help in learning how we sound to others. Tape your voice reading or speaking. Listen - analyze your voice. Listen to "professionals" and learn from them. Watch for:
1. Range of vocabulary (increase yours)
2. Tone quality
3. Diction, enunciation, articulation
4. Expression (vary the pitch of your voice)
5. Pronunciation
Remember, when you meet someone new, 1st impression is how you look, 2nd impression is when you open your mouth. Refrain from using "crutches" when speaking. Words like "Um", "eh", and "like like" should not be part of your vocabulary.
Conversation is an exchange of ideas - not a monologue or debate. Learn how to proportion silence and talk - when to listen and when it is your time to carry the conversation. Do not pretent to know something you do not know. It is not degrading to say, "I do not know". If you are knowledgeable, don't tell all you know about the subject. Beware of "I" in talking or writing. T - H - I - N - K - before you speak. Be considerate of others. Listen carefully to your own words and pay strict attention to the reactions of others.
STOP!
LOOK!
LISTEN!
NO ONE is so important that he/she can disregard good manners!
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
CONVERSATION
TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
ENTERTAINING
TIPS FOR GUESTS
TABLE MANNERS
EATING OUT AT RESTAURANTS
TIPPING
SPECIAL MANNERS WITH SPECIFIC FOODS
TOASTS
GETTING A JOB
BEING A BOSS OR MANAGER
ETIQUETTE AT WORK
ETIQUETTE AT HOME
DRIVING AN AUTOMOBILE
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