Better Conversations Newsletter
"Better Conversations Make a Better World"
Loren Ekroth, Ph.D.
 DrConversation
 
aka "Dr.Conversation" 
The Simplicity of Excellence
Loren Ekroth photo
July 1, 2009 Contents
65% Off!
"Have a nice day"
Class Reunion Kit
Conversation Quotation
Famous Quotations
Merely Jesting
Word-a-Week
Neologism: frenemy
Changing Internet Services?
Annoying Voicemails?
Today's answers
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This Week's Issue: 
July 14, 2009

Hello again, subscriber friend!

 

Because you share my interest in better conversation

and good human relationships, you have subscribed to

this newsletter.  I hope you continue to find personal value to better your life with these ideas. 


I believe -- as I have so often witnessed -- that "better conversations make a  better world."  Please invite your friends to join my list, www.conversationmatters.com

 

Loren Ekroth, publisher

loren@conversationmatters.com

This Week's Contents, July 14, 2009
Words this issue:  930
Reading time:  approx. 3.5 minutes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  1. 65% off! Bargainsville for you!
  2. Alternatives to "Have a nice day!"
  3. Class Reunion Conversation Kit
  4. Conversation Quotation
  5. Famous Quotations:  Who said this?
  6. Merely Jesting
  7. Word-a-week
  8. Neologism:  frenemy
  9. Changing Internet Services?
  10. Today's article:  Do You Leave Annoying Voicemails?
  11. Today's answer

1. 65% off!  Bargainsville for you!

I am revising my popular "Small Talk Success Tips" booklet to make it smaller and more concise.  I have a few hundred of my original 2004 booklets remaining and will sell them while supplies last for $2 each in 2 booklet packets, plus $1 postage.  Therefore, 2 booklets (formerly $7 each) for $5 postpaid in the USA.  These booklets contain the same information as my revised version.

To purchase, go to www.conversationmatters.com and click on "Conversation Tools" page. 

2. "Have a nice day" alternatives

Many suggestions flooded in.  Among the best were these:

For business situations, these from Carl

"Thanks for shopping with us"
or "Thanks for your business".

From Paul:  "Be well."

From Katherine:

"Thank you. Good-bye." (Simple, kind, respectful.)

From Dr. Nate Booth and others:  "Keep smiling."

From readers who changed only one word: "Have a great day."

Still others offered this:  "Make it a great day."

From Laura Kennedy, who emphasized that your feeling must be genuine,

"I hope you have a wonderful day!"

"Have a terrific weekend!"

"I hope you have a relaxing day off."

"Have a great evening!"

Several persons made a point about adapting whatever you say to the particular person and occasion/situation, suggesting that one size does not fit all.  I certainly agree.  One additional way to do this is to add the person's name and a detail, as in, "Bert, I hope you have a really great vacation at the cottage in Michigan."

Many thanks to all of you who submitted suggestions! 

3.  Class Reunion Conversation Kit (new product)

After 5 years of research and various drafts, I am nearing completion of this unique resource.  Any class reunion planning committee can easily add this process, and at almost no cost.

Having  a process of thoughtful and meaningful conversations with returning classmates can be the highlight of your reunion, much more than all the small talk, golf tournaments, barbeques, and banquet speeches.

If you know of a class reunion that could use an activity that creates authentic and insightful conversation, let me know at loren@conversationmatters.com
4.  Conversation Quotation

"Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed."

   ~Robert Gallagher

5. Famous Quotations:  Who said this?

"What has become clearer to yousince last we met?"

  1. Albert Einstein
  2. Michel de Montaigne
  3. Suzanne Langer
  4. Ralph Waldo Emerson

(Check your answer at the end of today's article.)

6.  Merely Jesting

A snail was mugged by two turtles.  When the police asked what happened, he said, "I don't know.  It all happened so fast."
7. Word-a-Week:  inexorable (adj)

i-NEK-suh-ruh-bul

not to be moved, or stopped: relentless

Example

"Napoleon's army moved with inexorable force across Europe."
8. Neologism (new word):  frenemy

frenemy

Meaning:  one who pretends to be a friend but is actually an enemy

First time in print:  1977

Frenemy is among over 100 new words added by Merriam-Webster, Inc.

9. Changing Internet Services?

1.  If you change internet services and don't re-subscribe to this ezine, you will no longer receive weekly "Better Conversations."  If you are changing, please re-subscribe now at www.conversation-matters.com.
 
2.  To make sure that you receive this newsletter, please add this "from" address to your address book: loren@conversationmatters.com.

Otherwise it may be caught by your spam filter.

10. Guest Article: Do You Leave Annoying Voicemails?

by Susan Berkley

Most voicemail messages do not get returned because people are overwhelmed. To get a response, your message must be so compelling that it wins out over all the other things vying for your recipient's attention.

To leave messages that get returned (and get results!) try to avoid the three most common mistakes. Here's the three most common mistakes, and how to fix them:

Problem:

The Rambler.  When leaving messages, you cover every conceivable detail. You leave nothing out. You repeat yourself several times just to make sure. If you get cut off, you call back and leave your message again in case something got lost.

The Solution:

Keep messages brief and to the point. Aim for 30 seconds or less. Organize your thoughts before speaking by making notes. Voicemail should only be used to ask specific questions or relay timely information. If you've got a lot to say, save it for email or a letter.

Problem:

Are you the Auctioneer? When leaving messages, you talk fast and drink coffee. You never know when one of these voicemail things is going to cut you off. Time is money. You keep it moving, especially when leaving your name and number.

The Solution:

Listen back to your messages before sending. If they are too fast, re-record. Spell your name and speak your number slowly. And for heaven's sake, cut back on the caffeine!

The Problem:

Are you the riddler?  When leaving messages do you keep 'em guessing? Your name? Who needs it. They should recognize your voice. Your area code? Doesn't everybody live in (212)? Your message? Uh, what message?

The Solution:

Leave your name and number twice, once at the beginning and once at the end of the message. Think before you speak. A sloppy message reflects poorly on you and your company. Take the time to re-record voicemail messages that are less than effective.

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From the Voice Coach Newsletter by Susan Berkley.  Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.  Susan Berkley is the author of "Speak to Influence:  How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Voice."  Available from your favorite bookseller.  For a free subscription to the Voice Coach newsletter visit www.speaktoinfluence.com

 

11. Today's Answer

Famous Quotations:  Who said this?

"What has become clearer to you since last we met?"

Answer:  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Loren Ekroth ©2009, all rights reserved

 

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life. 

 

Contact at Loren@conversationmatters.com