Have you ever been caught up in a one-sided conversation where you are forced to listen while the other person rambles on in boring monotone about nothing in particular and everything in general? You try but you cannot get a word in edgeways and they barely pause for breath leaving you no escape route. You are stuck and it could be hours before you get out of this tangled web. How would you like to know the short cut to either shut this person up or get yourself out of there? Here is the simple secret: all you have to do is start to disagree strongly with everything they say. It does not matter if you really agree with what they say, just make it a point to disagree with everything and they will soon find you disagreeable and at the same time they will quit hassling you. If you prefer a softer approach, simply excuse yourself by asking where the toilet is! No one will expect you to disobey the call of nature.
Now the opposite of this would be true too and it follows that should you wish to keep the client talking to you so that you can discover their pressing needs, wants and desires, that your comments and body-language should be affirming in nature and in context. That is, you should either verbally agree with what was said or simply nod your head in agreement. To show your client that you were listening you can always paraphrase what was said which simultaneously confirms your understanding of the conversation. If you need more information from your client you will find him or her most forthcoming if you use this script and say “That is most interesting – please could you give me a little more detail?”
Always thank your client for any additional information that they do offer. This show of good manners and sincere gratitude will stand you in good stead should the encounter turn into a business transaction down the line.
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