Secrets Of Good Conversation

July 18, 2011

Interview with Don Gabor, author of the book How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends [1]

________________

Mike Carruthers:
When you speak with people in an attempt to establish a relationship, it’s important to realize what people are looking for in a conversation.

Don Gabor:
#1 is they want your attention; they want to know that you are listening – this is a basic human desire.
 

Don Gabor, author of the book How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends [1]... 

The other thing that I think that people want from one another is some kind of acknowledgement that their views are important. And that acknowledgement doesn’t mean that you always have to agree with somebody, but it’s an acknowledgement that the respect for another person’s opinion.

If you want to be perceived as a good conversationalist…

I think the ability to focus in on what somebody is saying; understand not just the words he or she says, but the meaning behind the words. And then communicate back to that person what he or she has said to you so that the person goes, “Yes! That’s exactly what I mean. “ If you can do that, that signifies that a communication has taken place.

Don says when you walk into a room with other people you’ll always be viewed favorably if you do one thing.

Be the first to say hello. People will see you generally as an outgoing individual who wants to make contact. Now some people go overboard with this and they’re super friendly to everybody but for those folks that go to a party or you go to a social event that’s the #1 rule is take the initiative.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here  [2]