MAKE WHAT YOU SAY COUNTAlways ask people how you can add value
to their lives. Even if you think you know
what the other person should do, remind yourself
that she knows what she values better than anyone.
If the other person mentions an ability or
connection you have but isn’t sure how she could
utilize it, feel free to offer suggestions about how
you could see it playing out. Taking one extra
step shows you genuinely want to help and don’t see
the other person as a burden. As you start focusing
on how you can add value to others, you’ll begin to
build deep, lasting relationships.
There are two sides to this coin. You’ll
immediately stand out in a crowd if you offer to help
someone, but make sure you’re truly able to deliver
on your promise. You’ll build essential relationship
trust when you offer a contact, a tool or even a
sounding board, then promptly follow through.
Personalize the conversation if the opportunity
arises. Small touchpoints can build trust, lower
those barriers and make your interactions more
genuine. If all else fails, I’ll tell a self-deprecating
story or talk about a “learning moment” I didn’t
expect. Things suddenly get much more comfortable.
Be the kind of person who cares about the small
details. As you ask questions and engage people, keep
the key points in mind so you can follow up next time
you touch base. Does this person enjoy running?
Ask him about his next race. Anyone can throw out
“How was your Christmas?” but it takes a really
intentional person to ask about the small details.Change takes time
Meaningful conversations lead to meaningful
relationships. But it takes time to create new
habits. Pick one item from the list and focus on
implementing it in your daily conversations.
You’ll never regret the time you take to create
habits that bring value and meaning to your
interactions with others.
How are you going to add meaning to your
conversations this week?I make it a point to ask at least one question before moving on to a new
topic. Questions don’t have to be complicated. If someone told you about
his new puppy, something as simple as “How have the kids reacted?” can
allow him to spend an extra minute explaining what the change has meant
to him and build more rapport with you. When I ask questions, I find that I’m
naturally more in tune with the other person and more likely to remember
the details of our conversation.1020152505More Information
touchpoint (n) [:t<t{;pOInt] 相通點；互動時刻 a moment
when you interact with someoneAsk how you can add value.Do what you can to help.Remember key points.Decrease personal barriers.Vocabulary Focus
© Cambridge University Press 2008catch (n) [k,t{] a hidden problem or disadvantage
be wrapped up in (somebody/something) (idiom) If you are wrapped up in someone or something,
you are very interested in them and ignore other people or things.
to the point (idiom) expressing something very important or suitable for the subject being discussed
inadvertently (adv) [;In/d:v=tntli] not intentionally
play out (phr v) When a situation plays out, it happens and develops.
sounding board (n) a person or group of people that you use to test something such as a new idea
or suggestion to see if they will accept it or if they think it will work
self-deprecating (adj) [:sElf:dEprI;ketI?] trying to make yourself, your abilities or your
achievements seem less important
touch base (idiom) to talk to someone for a short time to find out how they are or
what they think about something
Ask questions