Are you listening carefully, sharing useful information, exchanging feelings? Are you light-hearted with your kidding and joking? Are you sharing personal connections and networking for the benefit of others?

Or are you grumbling and complaining, repeating an "Ain't it awful!" theme, or are you gossiping?

Are you mainly talking about yourself while not being interested in the others?

Note: Just because talking about yourself is enjoyable for you doesn't mean it's enjoyable for others. Maybe. But maybe not.

When talking to others, "What's In It For Me?" (WIIFM) should also include "What's In It For Them?" (WIIFT) so that it takes into account their needs and interests. When you do that, they will most likely enjoy talking with you.

The Key? Shift from ME to WE.

Until next week, Loren

In the near future, I'm going to write and publish several surveys on "Top 10" factors about conversation. The first one will survey the top 10 "Most Annoying Conversation Habits."

These anonymous surveys take only a minute or two to complete, and everyone who completes a survey will be rewarded with a special report or article. I hope you'll consider taking the surveys when you receive them. Later on I'll publish the results in an article.

Many thanks!

Loren Ekroth ©2012, 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