great conversational fodder, no matter what crowd youre circlating in.
It is with some embarrassment that I must attribute the folowing
technique to a businesswoman in the worlds oldest prfession. For a
magazine article I was writing, I interviewed one of the savviest operators
in her field, Sidney Biddle Barrows, the famed Mayflower Madam.
Sidney told me she had a house rule when she was in business. All of
her female independent contractors were directed to keep up with the daily
news so they could be good conversationalists with their clients. This was
not just Sidneys whim. Feedback from her employees had revealed that 60
percent of her girls work hour was spent in chatting and only 40 percent in
satisfying the cutomers needs. Thus she instructed them to read the daily
newpaper or listen to a radio broadcast before leaving for an
Technique #23
The Latest News... Dont Leave Home Without It
The last move to make before leaving for the party even after youve
given yourself final approval in the mirroris to turn on the radio news or
scan your newspaper. Anything that happened today is good material.
Knowing the big-deal news of the moment is also a defensive move that
rescues you from putting your foot in your mouth by asking what
everybodys talking about. Foot-in-mouth is not very tasty in public,
especially when its surrounded by egg-on-face.
How to Always Have Something Interesting to Say 91
appointment. Sidney told me when she initiated this rule, her busness
increased significantly. Reports came back from her clients complimenting
her on the fascinating women she had working for her. The consummate
businesswoman, Ms. Barrows always strove to exceed her customers
expectations.
Ready for the big leagues of conversation? Lets go.
ooja
(Ooja)
#1