{"id":4924,"date":"2021-02-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-11T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/how-to-get-more-out-of-every-conversation\/"},"modified":"2021-02-12T15:48:03","modified_gmt":"2021-02-12T15:48:03","slug":"how-to-get-more-out-of-every-conversation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/how-to-get-more-out-of-every-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get More Out of Every Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The art of leading a productive and enlightening conversation is at the essence of success. Whether you’re conducting a job interview, talking to a client, or working with your team, you need the power to get as much out of every conversation as you can.<\/p>\n

You need to inspire, to be purposeful and clear, to obtain and share quality information, and to connect on a human level\u2014all of which needs to happen naturally and in as few words (of yours) as possible.<\/p>\n

Here are a few key points you can apply to nearly every conversation you have, amplifying your impact, takeaway, and position.<\/p>\n

Who’s at the center?<\/h3>\n

Leading a quality conversation doesn’t mean you<\/em> become the focal point. Most of the time, if you position the other person at the center, you can make a greater impact. You can make the other person think you’re the most interesting person in the world, or they can leave the conversation feeling they<\/em> are the most interesting person in the world.<\/p>\n

Which would you prefer? Be honest with yourself.<\/p>\n

While you might impress some people by espousing your thoughts, experiences, and opinions, it will do little to help you connect with and learn from them. This brings us to a critical point: setting your intention. If you want to lead a conversation where everyone goes away with your opinions and ideas swirling around in their heads, then sure, get on your soapbox and talk away.<\/p>\n

BUT, if you intend to get information from someone while also connecting with them personally, then your focus should be on them.<\/p>\n

Listening to hear, not to speak<\/h3>\n

Imagine a microphone: the only thing that comes out of it is what is said into it. Having a conversation with someone who spends their time waiting to speak is like becoming a microphone for the other person. It’s not fun. Or rewarding. Or engaging.<\/p>\n

It’s just exasperating.<\/p>\n

So how do you avoid being the person who only listens long enough to find an opportunity to speak? The first step is slowing down. Remind yourself why<\/em> you are having the conversation. Ask yourself what<\/em> it is you’re hoping to gain. Then ask yourself how<\/em> you’re going to get there. I promise you, the answer isn’t by talking.<\/p>\n

Learn how to ask questions<\/h3>\n

While you’ve known how to ask questions since you first learned to talk, it doesn’t mean you know how to ask the right<\/em> questions.<\/p>\n

Let’s look at two similar questions and see how they evoke wildly different responses:<\/p>\n