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Tip 226: Jump over the ho-hum screen. |
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Give people the "so what" up front. Tell them why they should care before they tune you out. Everybody needs an enticement to listeneven for fun. |
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Tip 227: Add fresh information or observations rather than echoing what's been said. |
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When somebody makes an observation, even if you agree with it exactly, don't just nod or comment with a phrase like "So true." Instead, add a fresh idea, a new fact, or an illustrative anecdote. Take your turn at dribbling the ball, even if you're standing still on the court. |
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Tip 228: Ask to be enlightened when the conversation is over your head. |
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Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects according to Will Rogers. Your lack of knowledge will not necessarily be a hindrance to small talk; on the contrary, the more knowledgeable person will enjoy the solo attention his or her expertise brings. Just don't try to fake it by throwing in tidbits that will sound awkward to others. Instead, invite others to educate you: "I'm afraid I know so very little about the publishing industry. Tell me more about it." "I've had my head buried in six feet of paperwork for the past week and haven't the slightest idea what you're referring to. Give me a quick update, please." |
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Tip 229: Keep your mouth shut if the conversation is way over your head. |
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On the other hand, if someone is talking about the latest developments in nuclear fission, you can't expect that person to give you a college course in 10 minutes. Either just listen to others involved in the discussion and learn what you can, or excuse yourself. Don't make an entire group play catch-up while someone educates you with details that you don't really care to know. |
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Tip 230: Take no more and no less time than a subject is worth. |
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The difference between stimulating and dull comes down to pacing. Don't keep racing the engine when the conversation sputters. Simply echoing |
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