By Tori Goodrich

Be prepared to be amazed.

So, you are in a meeting, a marketing event, or headed to a gathering.  Or, you are the new kid on the block and you’d like to make a good impression.

Even better, you really would like to know about another person that you are taking the time to speak with.

Below are some much needed tips in this ever-opinionated world.

• Don’t multi-task. Be present, be in that moment; don’t be half in it. Assume you will have something to learn from every conversation.
• Don’t pontificate. If you want to state your opinion without opportunity for response or pushback, write a blog. Try and set aside person opinions and be open to the possibilities.
• Use open ended questions. Such as who, what, where, when, or why (how did that feel, what was it that was special).
• If you don’t know, say that you don’t. It’s really that easy.
• Don’t equate your experience with theirs.  All experiences are individual.  It is not about you. Really.
• Don’t repeat yourself.  This is really hard, especially with kids.
• Stay out of the weeds. If you struggle with names, years, dates, leave the details out. Your conversation can still be very interesting.
• Listen.  It’s one of the most important skills you can have. The average person talks 225 words per minute and they listen at about 500 words per minute. Steven Covey says, “Listen with the intent to reply rather than the intent to understand”.
• Be brief.  A good conversation is like a mini skirt.  Short enough to retain interest but long enough to cover the subject.

Everyone you will ever meet will know something you don’t.  Everyone has something amazing about them.

Be prepared to be amazed.

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Tori Goodrich is a life, business and professional; What Should I Do Now coach. She is also the co-owner of Gener8tional Connections helping companies work through the great divide. Visit her on the web at www.victoriagoodrich.com, or reach her via email at tgoodrich@vista.today.

Top photo credit: Scott SM Amazed baby and mother via photopin (license)