There’s a famous story about Dale Carnegie where he was attending a dinner party and struck up a conversation with a Botanist (no offense, but not my definition of good times) They talked for hours and he asked the Botanist question after question and the Botanist told Dale everything he ever wanted to know about the fascinating world of Botany (said with Castain’s highest level of sarcasm)
At the end of the conversation the Botanist had all kinds of nice things to say about Dale and ended his kind words by saying he was a great conversationalist. Dale mentions in How To Win Friends and Influence People that he found that hard to believe since he hardly spoke a word.

Rocket science? I think not.

Today’s Reflection: Give thought to how you can show a genuine interest in those you meet. Ask meaningful questions that put the spotlight on the other party. Shut and up and listen. Lose your agenda. Stop trying to one up the other person. Let them be the star!

I would suggest reading The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine for some great tips on how to have that conversation and rise to the status of the elite “Great Conversationalists”!
Here’s an audio interview with the author. She shares some great tips that will help you. http://www.voanews.com/mediaassets/specialenglish/2005_11/Audio/mp3/05-11-02fine-art-of-small-talk.mp3

Here’s a whole page of Debra Fine Podcasts. http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/cgi-bin/archivesbybtsub.cgi?bt=708&sub=22&mediatype=1

This should keep you all out of trouble for a bit!

Get out of your comfort zone today. Do something that scares the shit out of you!

Love ya, mean it
Uncle Paul
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