Take Interest In What People Have to Say

A few months back I wrote a blog entitled “Become a Great Listener.” The point I made in the blog was that people’s favorite topic is themselves. If you take interest in what people have to say and allow them to talk, they will love you.

Today I want to take this one step farther. When we find ourselves in a conversation our attention is usually focused on what we plan to say next. In essence, we’re not giving the other person our full attention because we get caught up in our own mind. Stop trying to formulate what you want to say next. Trust that it will come to you. The suggestion is to be present in the moment and focus entirely on the other person.

Like what you’re reading? You might really enjoy my book, ADJUST YOUR SAILS.
It’s packed with useful tips for realizing success in business and life–
stuff I learned along my journey to becoming a financial adviser
for the world’s top Wall Street firms.
Get a sample of it here!A way to ensure that you are present is to follow the lead of the other person. If their legs are crossed, do the same. Try to match their talking speed. You can even work to match breathing patterns. This might sound a bit crazy, but by doing that you are tuning yourself to their energetic frequency. Your likability factor goes way up. I’m not suggesting that you mimic the other person, just subtly tune into where they are.

If you take the time to truly tune in and take interest in what people have to say, you will resonate with them. In turn, they will respond positively to you. At your next meeting, interview, date, or one-on-one discussion, try staying present, put all of your attention on the other person and watch what happens with the relationship. Let me know how it plays out.