Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - April 18th

A real conversation always contains an invitation.  You are inviting another person to reveal herself or himself to you, to tell you who they are or what they want. – David Whyte

A conversation is so much more than words: a conversation is eyes, smiles, the silences between the words. – Annika Thor

The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third is good humor, and the fourth wit. – William Temple

Do you want to have the advantage every time you are in a conversation with someone?  No matter who you are, there are times when you walk into a room and are uncomfortable because everyone is a complete stranger to you.  In Gregory Peart’s article “The Secret to Being a Great Conversationalist”, he provides a great way to gain confidence in those difficult situations:  

Conversationalists who initiate the conversation topic always have the advantage over people on the receiving end.

Peart believes that by initiating the conversation, the original “questioner” takes control of the conversation putting the “responder” into a more passive position.  The original questioner has the advantage because they have probably pondered the topic and are prepared to ask and respond to questions.  Their knowledge of the topic makes them look confident and in control. 

Challenge: Next time you walk into a room of complete strangers, walk up to someone and start a conversation!  You will be seen as friendly and confident because of your knowledge of whatever topic you decide to discuss. 

A gossip is one who talks to you about others; a bore is one who talks to you about himself; and a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself. - Lisa Kirk

A good conversationalist is not one who remembers what was said, but says what someone wants to remember. - John Mason Brown

The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression.  – Samuel Johnson

Source: http://www.quietrev.com/portraits/gregory-peart/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=qr+fb