How To Be A Great Conversationalist

There are several people I know that I consider to be great conversationalists. People seem drawn to them and they are never short on people to talk to. Many people would be honored to be called a great conversationalist. I have had people tell me they enjoyed conversations with me, and I cherish that feeling.

You may ask, is there a simple formula to be or become someone people want to talk to? Can you become one of the people I mentioned above, where people crave your company? I believe anyone can be a great conversationalist. In fact, it’s so simple to do, I can provide one word of advice. Are you ready?…..

The simple key is to….LISTEN!!! The best conversationalists are those that listen well and let the other person do most of the talking. The fact is, every human being thinks what they have to say is important. If you’re the one who lets them say it, and demonstrate sincere interest in what they are saying, you will have a friend for life. Those people will continuously seek your company. I’ve seen it with other people, as well as myself. I’ve had conversations where I did very little talking, and listened intently on what the other person had to say. I was told how much they enjoyed talking to me, and how they couldn’t wait to do it again. I barely said a word!

I will say it again. People cherish the opportunity to express themselves and say things they believe to be important. They also long for anyone who is willing to listen and appreciate them. When you listen well and allow people the opportunity to express themselves, you won’t have to say anything. People will automatically seek your company, and you will never be short of friends.

This philosophy works extremely well in business as well. For years I worked as a customer service supervisor, handling complaints from angry customers. In almost all cases, the situation was resolved much easier when, instead of preaching our company’s policies, I listened and let the customer express their frustrations and concerns. They appreciated that opportunity, and were much more workable for a mutual solution.

I challenge you to monitor your conversations today. Let the other person do most of the talking. Listen intently, demonstrate sincere interest, and encourage them to talk even more. I can almost guarantee they will think very highly of you, and will tell you and others how much they enjoy your company.

I think it’s time for me to practice what I preach. I’m doing too much of the talking here, so I turn it over to you. Please share your valuable opinions. I am listening intently!

10 Ways To Increase Your Confidence

I have done an extensive study into the power of the mind to enhance the quality of life. One of the most helpful resources I’ve encountered is the book, “The Power of Positive Thinking”, by Norman Vincent Peale. The book is loaded with information to help increase positivity and power. He also provides simple, easy to use action steps to carry out in order to reach your desired goals.

One of my favorite parts of this powerful book is a list of tips to increase self-confidence. I can testify first-hand that these steps work if used on a regular basis. As mentioned, they are simple, logical, and easy to carry out. Here are the 10 steps:

1. Hold a picture of you succeeding in your mind. In every situation, view yourself as successful, and avoid doubting the success that you are seeing. Instead, hold onto it and continually watch these scenes of success.
2. Whenever a negative thought about yourself enters your mind, immediately replace it with a positive one. Be sure not to fight the negative thoughts. That only seems to make it worse. Instead, acknowledge it, but remind yourself that the positive thought is the real truth about yourself, and let it gradually take over.
3. Do not build up obstacles in your mind. Deal with them accordingly, but instead of seeing them as mountains, see them as a temporary challenge that will only increase your confidence and character.
4. Be your best self. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
5. At least 10 times a day, affirm “God is for me so no one can be against me” (Romans 8:31).
6. Seek help when you need it. No one ever said you have to do everything on your own. Know that people are there to help, and utilize their services.
7. At least 10 times a day, affirm, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philipians 4:13). This is an extremely powerful statement, the most helpful for me. When this is drilled into your head, you will feel virtually unstoppable,
8. Make a true estimate of your ability, then raise it 10%. Do your part the best you can, then let God help you go above and beyond.
9. Affirm the following, “I am completely in God’s hands. Then actually put yourself there, knowing He is fully in control. His outcomes are better than anything you can come up with.
10. Believe that you now and constantly receive power from God.

Honestly, how difficult are these to do? They don’t take much time, and when done consistently, they put your mind in a positive, powerful state, helping you firmly believe you can accomplish anything. I certainly recommend you take a few minutes a day to affirm and visualize these thoughts. As always, I would love to hear about how this information helps you. Have an excellent day : )