Don't talk to Strangers - 10 Communication Tips.

DON'T' TALK TO STRANGERS

Sadly that's where our society has come to today. The prevailing culture tends to avoid contact with people we don't know. On the street, public transport or at the gym, everyone is locked into their own world with their IPods, MP3 players and FM radios. One could get the impression people don't want any contact with anyone else.

Some will remember the days when it was okay to say hi to a adorable child walking along the street with their parents and no one ever suspected your motives. If someone was stuck by the side of the road broken down or with a flat tyre, my Dad would always pull up and help. These days' people won't even stop if you try and flag them down for fear of being attacked. It's sad that the world we have created is one that is often unfriendly and dominated by fear.

Our ability to communicate effectively will always be one of our greatest assets. Effective communication will make or break your career, relationships etc. Successful people are good communicators. They have well developed interpersonal skills and get their message across clearly.

One of the best tests of your communication skills is your ability to engage someone in conversation. You know the situation: There you are at a business or social function and you end up with someone who you have never met before. Some people get amazingly uncomfortable with this situation because they simply don't know how to start or carry on a conversation with a stranger but it's easier than you think!

If you apply these simple principles you'll find those awkward social and business situations becoming enjoyable. Most of all though, you'll develop one of the most desired skills we can have as human beings.........being a good communicator.

Don't get flustered or excuse yourself. That is the easy way out, and you never know if you didn't just leave who would have become your best friend or closest business associate. Stick around!
Take the initiative. Don't' wait for someone to come to you.....stretch yourself.
Don't start talking about yourself. Sure, introduce yourself, but don't launch into a half-hour monologue about your accomplishments. Big mistake. If you do this you will find that slowly a glazed look comes over their face. They are no longer with you and it won't be long before they excuse themselves and move on.
Talk about the person you have just met. The key is to ask questions. For the most part, if you persist in asking questions, you will be able to talk to anybody, anytime.
Ask open questions. Make sure they are not closed questions which that require a one word answer. That will quickly kill the conversation. Ask open questions that begin with Why, What, When and How.
Find connections. There will always be some area of interest or connection. Work, family, hobbies, interests, likes, dislikes etc. What you are trying to do is to find common ground. Then the conversation flows.
Go in those directions. If you do this the right way you'll find it relatively easy to talk to strangers and be known as a good conversationalist.
Be genuinely interested. People always pick up on the energy behind the communication. They can read you. If you are not fully present in the conversation they won't make the effort to respond.
Maintain eye contact. Make sure they you stay fully focused. Don't look over their shoulder or around the room. Stay with them.
Don't forget their name. Tricks of the trade are association with someone or something else, Begin using it immediately and regularly during the conversation.

Have you heard this saying? 'There are no such things as strangers. Just friends we haven't met yet'.

Have a good day

Anthony Venn-Brown