Interpersonal Communications

Conversing with Ease

Presentation

Introduction

4 Levels of Communications

Conversation Tips

How to End a Conversation

Role Play

Your Feedback

Introduction

Why is it so difficult for us to converse one

on one?

Perception of Others

Feelings:

Intimidation

Lack of Confidence

Shyness

4 Levels of Communication

Communication

Small Talk

Fact Disclosure

Viewpoints & Opinions

Personal Feelings

Level 1: Small Talk/Chit- Chat

First level of Communication

Positive & Pleasant

Dialogue about weather, present moment, current events

Lasts 1- 2 minutes

Assessment Phase

Level 1: Small Talk Examples

I am so glad I finally got the chance to come here. This is my first time. You?

At an Event

Tell me about your current role?

General Business

Which one (food) do you suggest?

Advice Approach

Heard you placed 3rd in the District Humorous Speech Contest, congratulations…what was your most memorable moment at the contest?

Compliment Approach

What do you think about social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook?

Popular Culture Approach

Level 2: Fact Disclosure

Second level of Communication

Disclose Facts: Personal & Impersonal

Dialogue based on common interests; biographical information; facts from a book you read or studied

Level 2: Fact Disclosure Examples

I’m majoring in business administration

Personal

Did you watch the football game last night?

General

Level 3: Viewpoints and Opinions

Third level of Communication

Also known as Evaluative Communication; give personal views and opinions about a specific topic

Extremely comfortable with the other person in the conversation; can agree to disagree

Use critical & creative thinking; pay attention to your body language and tone; avoid cautionary language, sarcasm, and nonverbal put-downs

Level 3: Viewpoints & Opinions

Examples

I love the King’s Speech. It is the best movie ever made.

Opinion

I’m not convinced that your argument is well supported.

Viewpoint (Disagree)

I agree with you!

Viewpoint (Agree)

Level 4: Personal Feelings

Fourth level of Communication

Also known as Gut-Level Communication; share our emotions and feelings to another.

Should use emotional intelligence, self-control, self awareness and empathy

Level 4: Personal Feelings Examples

I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity in helping me earlier.

Appreciation

I’m so frustrated with you! Frustration

He called me! I’m so excited to see him again!

Euphoria

Conversation Tips

Tone

• Speak with respect

• Keep your conversation simple

• Try clean humour

• Share a personal story

• Repeat the important stuff

Listen

• Put Yourself in your listener’s shoes

• Be a good listener

Body Language

• Have open body posture

• Maintain meaningful eye contact

General

• Start the conversation

• Express sincere interest and make that person number 1!

• If you forget, say you forget.

• Use Open-ended questions

• Know when to close your conversation

Practice

• Practice

• Practice

• Practice

Keith, I got

to go. I’ll

see you.

How to End a Conversation

How not to End a

Conversation

How to end a Conversation

Keith, it was a pleasure chatting

with you. I am running late for my

8:00 p.m. appointment. Would you

like to meet for coffee for us to

continue our discussion?

How to End a Conversation:

Strategies

The Positive Comment

• Most frequently used conversation ending strategy

• Be sincere

• Example: Jane, it was a pleasure meeting you in person.

The Summary/Plan

• Review of the conversation discussed

• Example: Thanks for explaining how to join Toastmasters. I will review the information and let you know what I decide.

The Excuse

• Use when other things or people demand your attention

• Give the excuse and state the reason

• Example: This is my first time here, and I would like to say hello to a few other people.

Call to Action

• Close with something actionable

• Makes the conversation more valuable

• Example: How can I help you with your goals?

Role Play

Your Feedback