Have the courage to make the changes YOU deserve!
A Business Skill to Work On – The Art of Conversation
Is good conversation a dying art?
‘Although we need to be mindful of accessibility, given a choice, I will always lean towards doing things in-person. From networking events and business meetings to coaching and consulting, I want to meet people face-to-face and engage in real conversation. Building and nurturing relationships has always been the glue that holds my business together. I love connecting with others online, but you can’t beat meeting in-person for strengthening bonds and building community.’ – How Being ‘Old School’ Can Set Your Business Apart
I’ve shared my passion for certain old school business practices before, especially those that foster real human connection, and the trust, loyalty and respect that comes with it. Good conversation falls into this category. But is it a dying art?
Face-to-face conversation may not be at death’s door just yet, but it’s definitely suffering. Research shows conversation skills appear to be deteriorating more with each new generation. Some experts blame increased screen time and faster paced schedules for interfering with the amount of time children spend in conversation. Only time will tell how this impacts them in adulthood.
Technology has become so deeply entrenched in our daily lives, the art of conversation seems to be redundant. The rise of social media, instant messaging, and virtual interactions, leaves meaningful dialogue off the table. Superfast exchanges and superficial interactions seem to be the order of the day.
However, I believe people are longing for genuine connections and the depth of understanding that can only be achieved through authentic, meaningful conversation. This is especially true in business.
Why Conversation Is Such a Useful Business Tool
To be clear, I’m not anti-tech. I wouldn’t want to run my business without emails, Instagram or Zoom. But I also recognise the power of in-person interactions and the importance of good conversation skills.
They’re skills I lean on multiple times a day in both my businesses, during consultations with wedding clients and while delivering 1:1 coaching. They’re also useful at networking events and any time I meet with another supplier. Knowing I can hold my own in a conversation gives me confidence.
Ultimately, conversation is communication, and effective communication is the foundation of any successful business. It enables smooth operations, fosters strong relationships, and drives growth. These aren’t skills any of us can afford to lose.
How to Improve Your Conversation Skills
1. Be Authentic
As I’ve said previously, in an increasingly digital world, where it’s becoming harder and harder to spot what’s AI generated and what’s not, genuine human connection feels more valuable than ever.
Authenticity is an essential ingredient in any meaningful dialogue. When you embrace who you are, you quietly give others permission to do the same, taking the conversation from surface level to deep and meaningful.
2. Stay Away from Small Talk
Genuine curiosity will level up your conversation skills. Instead of mundane, predictable small talk about the weather, lead with open ended questions that create opportunities to discuss shared interests, passions, and past experiences.
For example, at your next networking event, try asking people what they’ve been working on recently that brings them joy. ‘I’m curious – what’s something you’re really passionate about in your business?’
3. Reciprocity, Always
Being a good conversationalist involves more than simply enjoying the sound of your own voice. You’ve got to work on your active listening skills too. I don’t mean waiting to respond, formulating your next point while your partner speaks – I mean really, truly listening to what they’re saying.
Reciprocity is an essential component of conversation that flows. Listen as you would want to be listened to. Ask questions you’d want to be asked. Leave space for others to respond and offer encouragement when they do. The goal should always be to create a balanced exchange. Remember, it’s a dialogue, not a monologue.
4. Embrace Comfortable Silences
Good conversations are punctuated with opportunities for reflection. Comfortable silences give us space to pause and think before we respond, contributing to the overall depth of the interaction. If meaningful connection is your goal, there’s no need to rush. Instead, allow yourself and others to process what’s being said.