Sunday, November 25, 2007

Conversation Starters and Techniques

Conversation starters are not much good unless you understand the techniques for becoming a good conversationalist. But, with the right frame of mind and a commitment to practice, learning how to make good conversation can be both fun and easy.

Research shows that developing good communication skills is far more important than getting good grades in school. According to a study at the Stanford University School of Business, the most successful graduates were not the ones with the highest grade point averages. They were the ones most comfortable having friendly conversations with others, particularly strangers.

When you start a conversation with someone you dont know, it helps to realize that theyre probably feeling just as awkward and tongue-tied as you are. And, if theyre not, then theyll more than likely have the good manners to be gracious. So, have some fun, jump right in and be the first to speak. You have much to gain and little to lose.

To break the ice, you could make a positive remark about the room, the food, the guest of honor or notice something positive about what the other person is doing, wearing or saying. Then you might offer a sincere compliment. Be friendly, upbeat and enthusiastic. Be willing to chat about the weather, sports, movies, pets or children. The point is to make the other person feel like youve been waiting all week to meet them.

Once youve broken the ice, follow up with closed-end questions. Are you? Do you? Who? Where? Which? Then continue with more open-ended questions. What do you think? How? What? or Why?

Youll know what to say next by listening carefully for information the other person is sharing with you facts, feelings and opinions. Your job is to respond with sincere interest. But be sure to always avoid topics of politics or religion. (You can change the subject, if necessary.) And, naturally, you would never want to argue about anything, even if you disagree.

When it feels right, be willing to share positive, upbeat personal information, but dont talk too much about yourself. Stay focused on finding out about and getting to know the other person. The bottom line is, if you want people to find you interesting, all you have to do is genuinely express an interest in them. If you do, they might even leave the conversation thinking youre one of the most fascinating people they ever met. Wouldnt that be nice?

Pay special attention to noticing when the other person is ready to move on and always end every exchange gracefully on a positive note. Use their name, pay a sincere compliment when possible and always offer a smile or your hand in friendship It was so nice talking with you, John. I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Then say a peasant goodbye.

To be a good conversationalist, just follow these simple guidelines and practice. After all, developing good communication skills could possibly get you further than an M.B.A. from Stanford. With practice, you can turn each conversation into a pleasant experience and maybe even an opportunity the possibilities are unlimited!

Katie Byrd will take you by the hand and teach you the skills she's used to journey from a financially strapped, bad credit nightmare to debt free abundant living. To find out more visit: http://abundanceandwealth.bellaonline.com

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The Truth About 'Rapid Weight Loss' Diets

Obesity poses serious risks to your health. It can cause complications such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, to name a few. The risk of getting these complications increases when bodily fat is distributed more around the waist area. This kind of bodily fat distribution however, is more commonly found in men than in women. in men than in women. Obesity then may cause a person to want rapid weight loss now.

Wanting rapid weight loss now is very common nowadays. With the growth of beauty as how media depicts it, people are demanding rapid weight loss now to fit the skinny profile. But heres the truth: rapid weight loss now schemes can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly.

The key to being healthy is to keep off the weight that you lost. By losing weight rapidly unnaturally, you increase your risk of gaining back all of the weight you lost plus some added pounds. The best way still is to lose weight the natural way.

To do this, set a realistic goal for yourself. Envision what you want to happen. After you know what you want to happen, make a plan for yourself. It can be as small as eating an apple tomorrow or taking the stairs to your office. It can also be as big as seeking professional help and enrolling in a weight loss center. Stick through with your plan. Commit yourself to finishing what you started. To help you along your road to fitness, you can opt to take weight loss supplements. Be very wary though because there are some weight loss supplements that contain substances that can be damaging to your health. Do your research and remember that these are just supplements. Taking them without changing your eating habits or neglecting to exercise defeats the purpose of taking them in the first place. They can help speed up your weight loss process if used properly with proper diet and regular exercise.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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