In the last post, we talked about how to keep a conversation going by listening for “hooks”--little tidbits of conversation we can relate to, remind us of something, or make us curious.
We can take it a step further by offering hooks--revealing a bit of what we think, do, feel, and remember in order to give our conversation partner something to work with.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t have anything to add to the conversation.”
“I’m probably bothering them.”
“My mind just goes blank.”
“Nobody asked my opinion.”
I hear these statements a lot from my clients.
So I thought I’d share a tip for keeping conversations going (which is arguably harder than starting a conversation--it’s so easy to let it trail off, like a car on empty rolling to a stop.)
When you have to write a birthday card, compose a thank-you note, say a few words at a graduation or retirement party, give a toast, or otherwise honor and appreciate someone, it can be hard to find the right words.
Read MoreI’m willing to bet that no one loves work parties. But no one loves them less than folks familiar with social anxiety. There’s a fierce internal resistance. Every little thing becomes a potential excuse.
“You mean I have to find parking? Forget it, I’m not going.”
“I don’t want to miss dinner with the kids.”
“I’m totally overdressed.”
“I’m totally underdressed.”
“But it’s cold out.”
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