● Understanding non-verbal cues Look out for signs that others are uncomfortable, bored or displaying any negative feeling during the conversation, and change the subject accordingly. ● Using positive body language Don’t cross your arms or tap your foot impatiently. Smile with your entire face and practice friendly body language. ● Being mindful of personal space This is self-explanatory; don’t invade another person’s “bubble.” ● Accommodating different points of view A meeting with new friends or clients is not the time or place to talk about your strong opinions on politics, the environment, child-rearing, religion or anything else. Save it for your uncles at Thanksgiving. ● Giving sincere compliments A compliment is always the best way to break the ice. Say something like, “I love that t-shirt,” or “Great boots.” Or compliment the home if you are at a personal gathering. ● Mirroring interests Are your new friends or clients college football fans? Do they have dogs? Are they raving about the pasta salad they just made for lunch? Share how you relate by sharing your own favorite team, recipe or dog story. Beware of these things that could sabotage your first encounters with others. Not being present Do you have a tendency to do other things such as checking your phone, checking emails, etc. while having conversations with other people? You can’t communicate effectively when you’re multitasking. To communicate effectively, you need to avoid distractions and stay focused. Inconsistent body language If you say one thing, but your body is saying another, you’ll lose your listener’s trust. If you’re fidgeting and avoiding eye contact, others won’t take you seriously. Be careful how you use nonverbal cues such as crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact or tapping your feet.
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