The Art of Conversation as a Fundamental Tool of Human Communication

Most people think that communication is not quantum physics and that we do not need additional knowledge and skills to perfect something that is innate to us. Why then do we forget how and in what way to converse, in a general sense, and communicate with other people in an understandable and constructive manner? How will we even know when we have communicated well? First of all, we need to be aware of what communication is.

We all theoretically know that good communication is the only way to achieve both personal and professional goals effectively. Of course, it is easier and more comfortable for all of us to communicate in a safe environment with people we know or think we know than with people on whom our business results depend.

Most people think that communication is not quantum physics and that we do not need additional knowledge and skills to perfect something that is innate to us. Why then do we forget how and in what way to converse, in a general sense, and communicate with other people in an understandable and constructive manner? How will we even know when we have communicated well? First of all, we need to be aware of what communication is?

If we agree with the thesis that communication is a two-way process of exchanging information, it is understandable that successful communication depends on feedback. To communicate means to both receive and send messages. If we are skilled speakers, it does not mean that we automatically know how to communicate successfully. If you want to know how successful you are in communication – ask your interlocutors. They will tell you exactly whether you understand them in the right way and whether they understand you. This way, you will also find out what and how to improve in this area.
Our words, voice, and body constantly send various messages. What kind of messages are these and what do we convey with them – is a question we (too) rarely ask ourselves.

Keep in mind that clients primarily assess us through:

• what and how we do things
• how we look
• what we say and
• how we say it

To be as confident as possible in a conversation with a client, we provide several tips that may help you.
Before the conversation, inform yourself well about the client, determine what you actually want to achieve with that conversation (informational conversation, presentation of services or products, concluding a contract, etc.) Create opportunities instead of rigid expectations.

To better prepare, try to ask yourself questions and provide answers:

– How can I change the way I feel during the conversation or perceive the interlocutor, in the sense that I do not feel threatened, disturbed, or stressed?
– What is my contribution to the conversation (In the end, it all comes down to you!).

We do not want to deceive you; there is no magic wand, and the tips provided will not help you without your effort and decision to apply some new methods. The first step is – read and try to apply the given tips or at least some of them to communicate better and more successfully with your clients because that is a prerequisite for your business success. Never accept that there is no better way to do things better and more efficiently.

Build and Establish a Positive Business Relationship

Clients do not like it when you persistently try to sell them your product or service; they want you to show genuine interest in them and their needs. Before you start talking about business, make sure to build a better relationship through informal communication. Instead of speaking strictly business all the time, there is nothing wrong with occasionally mentioning family, friends, hobbies, or something that will spark your client’s interest.

Be Specific, Brief, and Clear

Do not stretch or prolong the conversation like a cat around hot porridge; this way, you will distract the listener’s attention. Do not use too many words for too few thoughts: be concise. If you can express something in two words, why use twenty?

Instead, prepare information that is interesting to your interlocutor and keep it short, concise, and clear.

Ask, only then will you get the necessary information

Silence can leave an impression of insecurity and incompetence. Ask everything that interests you, show interest and knowledge about the topic you are discussing.

Show Respect

Allow the interlocutor to finish their sentence without interrupting them, listen to them with interest; if you present a contrary opinion – keep in mind that it is not personal.

Ask the Right Questions

Asking the right questions is the essence of effective communication and information exchange. But what is truly the “right question” in a given situation? You will have to answer that question yourself by reflecting on what you want to know before you ask anything of the interlocutor.

Be Positive and Optimistic

Make an effort to be optimistic and positive. For example, instead of saying, “Don’t forget the meeting,” rather say, “Remember that the meeting is tomorrow.” Also, think about your attitude: be present, interested, and focus on the flow of the conversation.

Never Attack the Competition

Show your competitors the respect you would want in the reverse situation. And finally, not at all unimportant – the conversation with the client must be equal, not obsequious or condescending.
And do not forget: the art of conversation, as a fundamental tool of human communication, is important for every manager; it can be learned, practiced, and perfected.