The Crucial Communication Skill

I Never Learned in School     

Maybe someone taught it and I wasn't listening. Or maybe I heard it and didn't think it would be important so I forgot it.  Either way, the  skill of knowing how and when to listen is one that I don't remember being covered in all my years in school. I'm doing my best to change that for students young and old today.    

The Big Deal about Small Talk 

It started last month in a business course I was taking (email me if you'd like more information on this great seminar). One day they taught us a skill for navigating cocktail parties, company picnics, and award ceremonies.

Now, for some of you, I know that standing in front of 5,000 people would keep you up at night. Not so for me. Bring on the big audiences. It's the thoughts of having to do small talk that have given me the sweats over the years. 

Come to find out, small talk doesn't have to be small. In fact, party banter can be really interesting and fun for everyone concerned. The skill? Simply ask about the person's Past, Present and Future and then LISTEN.

Past: So how long have you been doing your present job/volunteering for this organization? And what prompted your move in this direction?    

Present: So what is it that gets you pumped these days? (or) What are some of the big things going on in your world these days? 

Future: So tell me, what are some of your dreams and plans for the next 5-10 years?  

Nowadays I find myself looking forward to walking into a room full of strangers and hors d'oeuvres.  It's simple and fun, and I learn so many interesting things. It's taken the pressure off my needing to try and think of something clever (which I never could do anyway) and just be on the receiving end. How do I spell relief? L-I-S-T-E-N.  

Now, I could BC with, "If only I'd learned that before I bought the 8-CD set on Small Talk 101." Or I could moan and groan with, "If only I'd learned that before I ran into the University President at the dinner last month." But I love to turn all potential "if onlys" into "lessons learned."  This skill is now part of Level 3 of our Full 8 to Great Curriculum, due out this month. (Call 828-242-9033 to find out how you can purchase your copy.)

As a Negotiation Skill  

Meanwhile, don't take my word for it. While I was enjoying my business course, our 8 to Great Advisory Board Chairman Don Cantrell was taking a class in Minneapolis:      

"My son and I recently completed a course on negotiating. It was phenomenal stuff! On the flight home I told him that our investment would come back to us a thousand fold down the road." 

And what did he learn?

"Do 1/3 of the talking and ask 2/3 of the questions. Then just listen."

Positively powerful, isn't it? So perk up those ears and practice those questions, then send us your success stories. We promise we'll listen!   

Injoy,

"I wish I'd learned the 8 to Great process when I was younger, but I'm grateful for it now. Writing down 3 daily gratitudes has changed my life. I can't wait to get trained to teach these skills."

- Dennis Dumovich, VP of Human Resources 

If you'd like to gain a deeper understanding and practice of the 8 High-Ways, or want to share them with adults or teens as a presenter or life coach, consider joining us for one of this summer's two-day

8 to Great Summer Certification Trainings

May 22-23 Wayne NE
June 4-5 Stuart NE
June 7-8 Climax Springs MO
June 21-22 Wood River NE
July 17-18 Okoboji IA
July 19-20 Newell IA
July 23-24 Overland Park KS 

July 26-27 West Point NE

July 30-31 Albion NE

 

All trainings are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for two consecutive days.

 

 

For more information or to register for an upcoming training, go to: 8 to Great Certification Training 

"The 8 to Great advantage is like the weight room in sports. It helps each individual go into the game of life that much stronger and internally prepared to do their best!" 

- Jon Rowberry, CEO, Nextstep       

        

When you're ready to take your business or school down the 8 High-Ways to greater  health,  

happiness and success,  call us at  

800-419-0444  

or email us at info@8togreat.com.     

We can help you get where you want to grow.

MK's Tweet of the Month: 

 

Sometimes it helps to repeat to ourselves:  

"My dreams are greater than my discomfort."