Ask Questions And Listen

Inside each grown person is a child who wants to be heard. Most people like to talk about themselves and get recognition for what they've done, who they are, and what they think. So ask them! A simple door opener is to compliment someone with a question; for example,

"Your reports are always so clear. Did you study journalism?" or "Your questions always bring out the important technical issues. Did you study science?" That is bound to start a discussion of education, or at least the person’s ability to write clearly.

"Have the emphasis you put on words. Is that a Midwestern accent I detect?" Before you know it, you'll be discussing where that person is from, always a great topic of conversation. After all, everyone is from somewhere.

Listen

Most people have something to say, so listen to them. Ask a question and then let them talk. You can coach them along with little things such as, "How fascinating," or "How difficult that must have been," or "What did you do then?" Usually you'll learn information that will help you work and play with people more productively.

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