The Power of Small Talk

The Power of Small Talk Just as it is little things that build strong relationships, it is small talk that develops the rapport which leads to information, opening opportunities and strong connection. Small talk is not insignificant. Instead, it is the gateway to business referrals, job opportunities, and new friends. During small talk people are […]

English Communication Skills- How to Join In a Group at a Gathering

English Communication Skills- How to Join In a Group at a Gathering How do you join in when people are already gathered in groups, conversing and having a good time? Minimize the problem by arriving no more than fifteen minutes after the appointed time If you are one of the early arrivals, people are more […]

Networking and the Power of Conversations

Networking and the Power of Conversations No matter what your career path or role in life, your ability to build a strong support system will be key in your success and well being. Networking is a lifelong process of meeting people, making contacts, developing friendships, and building professional relationships. How do you network? Herein lies […]

English Communication- Keeping a Conversation Going

English Communication- Keeping a Conversation Going   For great conversations and satisfying conversations, memorize these questions: “What do you think?” “How did you become interested in…?” “I am considering taking up _____ (yoga, weight lifting, tennis, meditating, scuba diving).  Would you recommend a class or individual lessons?” These questions focus on someone else’s expertise and […]

English Communication- Get Ready to Start a Conversation

English Communication- Get Ready to Start a Conversation Do you want to be a good conversationalist? Prepare several topics of conversation before you head out for a meeting, reception, social gathering, or meal. Here are some general subjects you can personalize or adapt to your situation: Sports (national, international, local) Weather (the good, the bad, […]

Rapport- How Much to Customize?

Rapport- How Much to Customize? Go to the trouble of learning about the audience.  Make six or seven references geared specifically to your audience.  That makes you, the speaker, something of an insider and lets the audience know you took the trouble of learning about them. Make comments – humorous statements, praise, or just simple […]

English Communication: How To Be a Great Conversationalist

English Communication: How To Be a Great Conversationalist Conversation is the basis of communication. It establishes rapport and connects us to our colleagues, clients, co-workers, friends, family. Confidence in your ability to converse makes you better in your work relationships and personal relationships. Susan RoAne made a survey of what she called, “ConverSensations”, people who […]

Rapport- How to?

Rapport- How to? How to get to that sweet spot of building mutual warmth and walking the same page with your audience? Answer: Put their needs and interests ahead of your own. You don’t ignore your own needs, but put the spotlight on their needs. For example,  if your audience has been listening to hours […]

Rapport- Pure and Simple

Rapport- Pure and Simple   What makes you different from a robot?  You can grow rapport with the audience. What is the goal of rapport?  A feeling of mutual warmth and the sense that you’re on the same wavelength and mind frame.

Communication Skills Training : Space Comfort Zone in the U.S.

Communication Skills Training : Space Comfort Zone in the U.S. In all countries, people need a certain amount of space to feel comfortable in different situations. The size of these zones is determined by culture—Japanese  feel comfortable with closer contact than Latinos or North Americans. Here is what communication scientists have identified for the United […]