During my workshop this past weekend, I had questions about how to have a meaningful conversation with those that talk non-stop. One woman, Kathy, cleverly referred to them as “airtime hogs” because that is, in fact, what they do!
You can’t get a get a WORD in edgewise!
Here are some valuable tips to help you have a healthy dialog (yes, that means 2 people!) with those who may not even realize how they can overwhelm a conversation.
Step 1 – As the conversation begins, LET THEM KNOW that you really want to understand them and you may reflect back information, just to make sure you got it right.
Step 2 – FOCUS your attention on the content of what they are saying. Listen for the deeper meaning of what they are saying.
Step 3 – REPEAT what they have shared in segment as the conversation moves along. Allow them to create forced pauses in the dialog.
Step 4 – FIND A GOLDEN NUGGET in what they are saying and PRAISE them. We can all use some affirmation!
Own your personal power (NOT ego!) as you converse. When you can take an active role in directing the conversation, AND LISTEN, you will surely see the difference. You be the role model of open and meaningful conversations!
And for those of YOU WHO ARE AIRTIME HOGS……
…..learn to stop and listen to the the people you are in a conversation with. You can acknowledge your behavior and change yourself in YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION!!
I hope you have found these suggestions to be valuable and I would LOVE to hear from you!! Leave a comment below…and share it…let me know what you think!