“Wearing Nametags- On Yourself
The purpose of wearing nametags in the first place is for people to see your name. Otherwise, why bother? We have all seen nametag placements that range from proper to downright raunchy. People can get pretty creative about where they place them and it is not always appropriate. For this book, we will focus on the best practices.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To make a positive first impression, where is the best place to wear a nametag? Since we shake hands with our right hand, placing your nametag on the right side of your body will make it quickly visible for the best eye contact. Within a few inches of your collar bone and right shoulder will provide greater visibility even when you are sitting down.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Wearing Nametags- On Others
I enjoy reading nametags and calling people by their names before we have officially met or been introduced. It provides an instant icebreaker. Walking up to someone and saying, “Hi Brenda! I’m Susan!” creates a quick connection that might not have happened were her name not displayed.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Business Cards
“Do you attend events where business cards are exchanged in a networking environment? My friend Brian Haugen is a networking ninja. His gregarious personality and love for people have enabled him to easily win friends and influence people. He has a lot of tips, but one of his best is regarding how to best handle business cards.
When I asked him for his thoughts on being an effective networker, he shared that there is an art to how to receive someone’s business card with respect and interest. He continued by saying, “When someone hands you their card, take a moment to hold it, read it, repeat their name and then make a comment or ask a question. And make notes on their card to help you remember the exchange.”
This small action communicates you are genuinely interested and want to remember them.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Too often when people hand us their cards, we quickly slip them into our pockets or purses without giving notice to what it says. Subliminally, it tells the other person that we don’t care or are not interested. Take a moment to demonstrate your interest; this will help your newfound relationship be off to a good start. Small actions can make a significant impact!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Have you ever met a new person and within seconds forgotten his or her name? It can be embarrassing, can’t it? Many people will laugh, brush it off, and say, “I simply can’t remember names!” But you should take remembering seriously.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, use usual Imagery—Connect the name with a mental picture that will remind you of that person. If his name is Barry, think of berries. If her name is Cheri, imagine her drinking cherry punch.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, use rhyming, rhythm, adjectives, and alliteration—Use rhyming (trim Kim), rhythm (Sally sells seashells), adjectives (kind Kevin), and alliteration (Mike likes milk). These ideas may sound silly, but they stimulate your mind to improve your memory.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, use association—Creating a connection to something that has been important to you will give a name sticking power. Did you go to the same college? Did you work for his company at one time? Does she have the same car as your best friend? Begin looking for associations and it will make the names more memorable.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, create a New Contact—Saving someone’s name shortly after meeting will help you retain it longer. Whether it is on a piece of paper, your cell phone contacts, “friending” him on Facebook, or inviting him to join your LinkedIn network, adding the name to your contacts will make it easy to remember him for a long time into the future.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, introduce a “Just-Met” to someone else—Introduce your newfound acquaintance or friend to someone else. As you share her name with another person, the name will become locked into your memory.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, Pay Attention—Minimize distractions and focus on what they are saying. Making a concerted effort to concentrate will help you improve your memory.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Make a Connection to remember people’s names, —Connect their name or a feature on their face with something you already know. This connection will help anchor their name in your mind for future recall.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, “Write it Down! —Whether you write their name down on the back of a card, a receipt, a handout, or in a notebook, this simple act will help you remember.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, wash, rinse, repeat—Repeat a person’s name upon introduction, throughout the conversation, and as you bid farewell. Try it both in your mind as well as out loud. Avoid nicknames unless otherwise invited.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Words You Think
“Your thoughts lay the foundation for your life’s experience. Are you utilizing your thoughts for your highest good or are they harmful to you and others? Are your thoughts building you up or tearing you down? Notice the quality of your words and ask yourself these questions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Conversation starters. Icebreakers. Openers. However you choose to label them, that moment when the first words come out of your mouth can make or break the outcome of your entire conversation. Been there, done that, right?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Meeting someone for the first time has significance, but for some people, the awkwardness can be so great that they avoid a conversation altogether. The person who may be shy, introverted, or afraid of sounding stupid may just choose to remain silent rather than take the risk of engaging in embarrassing dialogue.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The space between meeting a stranger and making a new friend can be a short distance or a gaping chasm. By understanding how to open a conversation well, you will be better able to bridge the gaps and build rapport more successfully.”
“How do you minimize the awkwardness in that moment? What are some of the conversations starters you've used to open, encourage, and support enjoyable and beneficial conversations?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“10 Conversation Bridge Builders
1. Simply say hello with a smile.
2. Ask them what they love about their work.
3. Ask natural questions out of genuine curiosity.
4. Get a person talking about what’s important to them.
5. Compliment something positive which you’ve noticed.
6. Engage them with questions which are easy to answer.
7. Introduce them to someone whom you think they’ll enjoy meeting.
8. Ask them if they have any trips or vacations planned.
9. Look for something you may have in common so that the conversation begins with shared interests.
10. Think of questions that begin with how, what, when, why and where.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Add a fresh twist of creativity to make a stellar impression which people won’t soon forget. Granted, your venue will determine how far you can stretch and how creative you can be. Making small tweaks to your conversation starters can make a memorable impact!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“14 Awesome Conversation Starters
1. What do you do for fun? Hobbies, recreation . . .
2. What are your super powers? Gifts, talents, strengths.
3. Good morning! It’s great to see you!
4. What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
5. What brought you to __________?
6. Do you have anything special happening in your life (or your business)?
7. What’s the best thing that’s happened this week?
8. Are you living your life purpose or still searching for it?
9. What gives you passion and makes you happy to be alive?
10. Do you have any pets?
11. How do you know the host?
12. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
13. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
14. What's next on your bucket list?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Speaking on Stage
Speakers and presenters have only a few short seconds before their audience members begin forming opinions. True professionals know that beginning with impact determines audience engagement, the energy in the room, positive feedback, the quality of the experience, and whether or not their performance will be a success. A few of the popular methods which you can use to break the ice from the stage are:
• Using music.
• Using quotes.
• Telling a joke.
• Citing statistics.
• Showing a video.
• Asking questions.
• Stating a problem.
• Sharing acronyms.
• Sharing a personal story.
• Laying down a challenge.
• Using analogies and comparisons.
• Taking surveys; raise your hand if . . .
Once you refine, define, and discover great conversation starters, you will enjoy renewed confidence for communicating well with new people.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Ambiverts typically . . .
• Can process information both internally and externally. They need time to contemplate on their own, but consider the opinions and wisdom from people whom they trust when making a decision.
• Love to engage and interact enthusiastically with others, however, they also enjoy calm and profound communication.
• Seek to balance between their personal time and social time, they value each greatly.
• Are able to move from one situation to the next with confidence, flexibility, and anticipation.
“Not everyone is going to like us or understand us. And that is okay. It may have nothing to do with us personally; but rather more about who they are and how they relate to the world.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Introverts typically . . .
• Process information internally. It is normal for them to continuously contemplate, generate, circulate, evaluate, question, and conclude.
• Are rejuvenated and energized by rest, relaxation, and down-time.
• Need time to process and adapt to a new situation or setting, otherwise it is draining.
• Tend to be practical, simple, and neutral in their clothing, furnishings, offices, and surroundings.
• Choose their friends carefully and focus on quality, not quantity. They enjoy the company of people who have similar interests and intellect.
• May resist change if they are not given enough notice to plan, prepare, and execute. Sudden change creates stress and overwhelm.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“An ambivert navigates the introvert/extrovert spectrum with ease since they do not fit directly into either category. Since neither label applies to them, they are social chameleons who adapt to their environment to maximize their interaction and optimize their results.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Labels have always represented limitation, conformity, and narrow-mindedness to me since the human personality is multi-faceted and continuously evolving. Perhaps that is why I am so intrigued by the concept and labels of “introvert” and “extrovert.” Neither description accurately defines the state of my social interactions. What about yours?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The concept is made even more fascinating when you consider it as a psychological spectrum. Imagine a sliding scale of personalities that range from being an “introvert” to an “extrovert” and placing “ambivert” smack dab in the middle.
This linear scale illustrates a continuum of experiences, because these descriptions do not apply to every person at all times. We all have tendencies, preferences, and comfort zones that change according to the people we are surrounded by, the environment we find ourselves in, and our levels of confidence in the moment. Using the scale above, where do you typically fall in the spectrum?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Although my sister, Liz, is socially engaging and very confident with people, she tends to more of an introvert. She generates energy from the inside, from center to circumference, and would rather have one-on-one conversations to connect quietly and deeply.
I, on the other hand, am energized by walking into a room filled with three hundred strangers; I like to meet as many people as possible and walk out with new friends. After all that excitement, however, I am content to go home and curl up with a good book in complete silence.
Is one of us right and the other one wrong? No. We are just different.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“It is not unusual for people to believe that their way is the best way—that they are right and everyone else is out-of-sync or mistaken. The divine irony is that since we are better at being ourselves, how can we expect others to be less like themselves to fulfill our expectations? We cannot change who we are wired to be and neither can others.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“By becoming aware of the differences and developing an understanding of each person’s uniqueness, you will improve your interactions to make more positive first impressions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Extroverts typically . . .
• Process information externally by verbalizing, collaborating, brainstorming, discussing, sharing their ideas, and communicating until they achieve desired results.
• Are rejuvenated and re-charged by being around people, interacting with friends and family, and having dynamic conversations.
• Enjoy the excitement and adventure of a new situation or setting.
• Tend to be more colorful, unpredictable, daring, stylish, and cluttered in their clothing, home furnishings, offices, and surroundings.
• Love meeting new people and making new friends. They enjoy variety and engaging on all levels.
• Are very spontaneous, resilient, and adapt well to change.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Not everyone is going to like us or understand us. And that is okay. It may have nothing to do with us personally; but rather more about who they are and how they relate to the world.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“In his book, The Four Agreements, Miguel’s Ruiz encourages us to “not take things personally; people behave for their reasons, not ours.” Our personality differences and life experiences shape how we perceive, engage, react, and respond.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Conversational Chameleon
We know that chameleons are lizards who are famous for their ability to change their colors and fit in as their environments require. This ability enables them to change themselves for safety, survival, and healthy well-being. Their colors adjust to reflect their mood, their surroundings, and serve as camouflage when necessary. Fossils prove they have been on this planet for over eighty million years, so they must be doing something right. Their innate ability for adaptability deserves appreciation, respect, and further consideration. It obviously works!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“When you strive to become a conversational chameleon, you can more swiftly adapt to your environment and surroundings for your own safety, survival, and healthy well-being.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Learning the personality styles of others will further heighten your awareness of differences to enhance your social agility. When you gain clarity on what is important to others and why they act as they do, you will be better able to engage confidently with their energies and personalities to thrive in most any situation.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Susan RoAne is the bestselling author of How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Making Lasting Connections in Person and Online. She is known worldwide as the Mingling Maven and is a respected expert, author, and keynote speaker on networking, connecting, and conversations. In her book, she shares the roadblocks and remedies to help people become savvy socializers and succeed at networking.
She recently shared with me that putting labels on personality styles can sometimes create bias and limitations. She said, “We've spent so much time crystallizing our differences that it can be to our detriment. It is more important to simply engage with people on a respectful and authentic level.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being a conversational chameleon allows you to do that. One day I may be speaking to the CEO of a global company and the next to my four-year-old nephew. Just as you would not talk to your eighty-year-old grandmother the same way you would talk to a twenty-three-year-old co-worker, adapt your own behavior to the person with whom you are speaking.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Understanding Personality Styles Helps You:
• Communicate more easily with others by understanding their perspectives.
• Adapt your behavior to resonate with others.
• Develop deeper levels of compassion, patience, and communication.
• Deliver personalized customer service.
• Build trust and rapport faster.
• Nurture existing relationships.
• Make more sales.
• Feel more confident networking.
• Realize that people behave the way they do for their reasons, not yours.
• Appreciate the diversity of teammates, family members, friends, and work groups.
• Unify your teams and get the best out of your people by focusing on their strengths, aligning their styles with their assigned positions, and knowing how to motivate and reward them.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Effective communication requires an elevated level of self-awareness, and desire to understand and appreciate one another.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“As you move forward in life, seek to build upon your understanding of our communication and personality differences so that you are well-prepared to arrive and thrive in your first (and lasting) impressions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Gift of Gab
She continued by saying, “Many people dismiss small talk as being a waste of time. If you think small talk is not worthy of your time you are making a big mistake. It is actually one of the best ways for you to get to know someone. Don’t be afraid to share a little bit about yourself so that you give another person enough information to ask questions. Small talk is the biggest talk we do.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“My man Daniel sees twenty patients a day, many of whom he has never met before their appointment. With only fifteen to twenty minutes to spare, he has no choice but to use the gift of gab to connect quickly. He said, “Small talk is easier than big talk, especially with someone you do not know. It is an easy stepping stone to help you break the silence for more comfortable conversation. This initial form of communication opens the door for big talk.” Find ways to start small talk with new people and they will be impressed by your friendly disposition and sincere interest.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (1875-1961) first introduced the concept of "synchronicity" to describe the meaningful coincidences which occur in our lives and connect us all in our humanity.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The synchronicity found in nature extends to the rhythm and patterns in our relationships; it explains how random events can come together to achieve harmony, flow, and order. Similarly, social synchronicity plays a large role in the art of constructive communication by helping us understand how social patterns can positively impact our relationships.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Groundbreaking research at Cal Tech has now revealed that humans not only tend to synchronize their movements, such as clapping in unison or walking at the same pace, but they also synchronize their social interactions as well.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The gracious timing of social synchronicity helps the sender’s message align and resonate with the receiver’s ability to recognize, receive, comprehend, and appreciate the intended message. When the sender and receiver are “in sync,” the clarity and synergy created are powerful and affirming.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being “out of sync” happens all the time . . .
• Have you ever begun a discussion when the timing was not right and your message was subsequently rejected?
• Have you ever said the right thing at the wrong time and ended up looking stupid or inappropriate?
• Or perhaps rather than having a positive or a negative effect, your message fell on deaf ears and had no effect at all?
• Has your poor timing ever resulted in social awkwardness, humiliating rejection, or alienation?
• Has anyone ever attempted a serious discussion with you in the middle of your day when you were overwhelmed by phone calls, emails, and appointments?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact