10 Rules to Being a Great Conversationalist

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You will probably agree that conversations have changed since shifting more into digital work. They often proceed with emojis or acronyms or shortened to letters like ‘k.,’ And we believe that being a great conversationalist will assist you in a ton of ways, especially when it comes to business and network marketing.

Why? Because the sale is often because of the relationship.

Sure, people buy out of need or necessity. But, we would also suggest that people try new things or shift spending habits because of how the ‘seller‘ makes them feel. But, again, it is about the experience. So, in this post, we want to give you ten ways to hone in on those conversation skills.

Because in the business of relationship marketing, it will take a little more than ‘lol’ or, ‘k,’ or ‘brb’.. and so on.

10 Rules to Being a Great Conversationalist

 

If people feel good when around you, they’ll want to be around you more.

Excerpt from: ‘How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life’;

“The point of conversation is to make the other person feel good. If you do that one simple thing correctly, the other benefits come with the deal. For example, a person who likes you is more likely to be persuaded to recommend you for good opportunities, share information, and want a relationship with you. And if you must complain because it’s just too hard to keep it in, you’re better off complaining to someone who already likes you; that way, you’ll get the empathy you want.”

Rule #1 – Be Genuinely Interested in the Conversation

 

Use this opportunity to get to know the other person. This is not the time to think about your grocery list or laundry you need to finish. When you are multi-tasking, it demonstrates that you are invested in the other party’s thoughts. Being present in your conversation is super important. And, is among one of the top rules of being a great conversationalist.

Rule #2 – Be Respectful

 

We are sure that you are going into your conversation to be respectful of the other person. And what is sometimes lost in this word, respect, is that it includes not imposing our beliefs on others. Or judging or criticizing their beliefs or practices. When you spend time on that genuine conversation, you will learn what they love (or don’t), which should set some good boundaries about where to take the conversation.

Rule #3 – Focus on Positives

 

Do your best to gear your conversations into cheerful lights. It is here that will truly test your excellent conversationalist skills. This is often a result of people naturally being drawn to the negative. It’s like that car crash you drive by, and you know you shouldn’t look, but you do. Do your very best to keep the conversation positive where it fits, of course. The last thing you want to do is smile when someone is pouring their heart out to you.

Rule #4 – Keep them in their Best Light

 

Remember, authenticity is always vital. And what this rule refers to is being able to help the other person feel good in the conversation without it being fake or phoney. So if you are going to pay a compliment like they’re incredible or caring, confident or gifted for this industry … be honest about it.

Rule #5 – Be True to You

 

Let’s assume that you are having a conversation with someone you would love to recruit to your business. Naturally, you want to stay relatable, find common interests, etc. But, do not stray too far away from who you are. It is OK to have your thoughts. It’s how you share them that can make all the difference.

Rule #6 – Embrace your Differences

 

One of the critical traits of a great conversationalist is embracing your differences while building on your commonalities eloquently. Sort of goes back to the saying’ opposites attract. It is OK to have different experiences, perspectives, etc. They can be pretty engaging and help others step outside their comfort zones.

Rule #7 – Give and Take

 

Sometimes, when we have a plan outside of a conversation, we can become critical or think too far ahead of what’s happening. Although there is a great time and place for these analytical things, they can become discouraging mid-conversation. An excellent trait for a great conversationalist is giving others the benefit of the doubt. Let your mind put puzzle pieces together once you have the whole picture or fill in the gaps with the right questions.

Rule #8 – Ask Purposeful Questions

 

As an excellent follow-up to rule number 7 above, ask questions that mean something. Find out about what lights them up inside or what their present goals are – or if they even have any! Ask about their family or career, what entertains them or makes them laugh. Meaningful questions will almost always translate to meaningful answers.

Rule #9 – Conversing vs. Debating

 

One of the downfalls we realized early on in our career is that it is easy to slip into the business of justifying or convincing. This is particularly evident in the network marketing business and health and wellness spaces. It is healthy as a great conversationalist that you can have all sorts of dialogue happening – but watch that you don’t slip into a debate or, worse, an argument. There are differences; a great way ‘out’ is to agree to disagree.

(Blog: 4 emotional rules for your business)

Rule #10: Those who Talk Less

 

Our last rule of being a great conversationalist can vary based on the topic. The most amount of talking you want to be doing is 50%. However, if you are speaking to a prospect about ready to buy or a prospect about to join your business – talk less. A sales tip has always been whoever talks most loses. This can be relevant in this situation, just with a more excellent connotation.

When the time comes for your conversation to end, let the person know you have to go and show appreciation for the exchange. Then show you were listening by summarizing some of the significant points from your talk.

For example, ‘Thanks for sharing with me about that new movie; I’m going to have to check it out!’

Finally, set the stage for future conversations with them. And then actually follow up.

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