How to Instantly Connect with Anyone
By: Leil Lowndes
- You never have a second chance to make a first impression.
- A firm handshake is important when you meet someone.
- When introducing someone, say their name before their position.
- You can turn strangers into acquaintances by talking about what they love to talk about – themselves. By talking about them, you can turn that silent stranger into a friendly gabber.
- Ask someone about their day, specifically the last five or six hours. Each conversation has a shelf-life, so talk to them about what is fresh on their mind.
- Customize your conversation or speech to the person(s) you are talking to. if you want to connect with them, tailor your vocabulary for them.
- Never talk or brag about luxurious things you have with people that cannot or do not have them.
- Keep your differences a secret and your similarities the topic of conversation.
- Immediately conceal someone’s blunders with a quick comment. You will become a friend and hero.
- When you want to change subjects, first repeat something they just said and then link it to the conversation or topic you want to talk about.
- Be unfashionably early to a party or gathering. It is surprisingly much better than arriving late.
- Preserve someone’s self-esteem.
- Do talk about people behind their back, but only if it’s something nice you’re going to say.
- Choose your seating wisely. Let the other person have the better seat and do not sit in a position that makes it hard for them to turn their neck and look at you.
- Read someone’s lips when they are not talking. People are their real selves when no one else is around, so watch them before you start talking to them and you will know what they are feeling.
- When you are writing an email, do not start all of your sentences with the letter “I.” Remove it (letter “I”) from your email — remove it from your conversations as well.
- Sign your email using the other person’s name. The best word in any language is someone’s name, so use their name at the end of your email or letter.
- When you are meeting with someone and receive a phone call, look at your phone and silence it. This shows that the person you are talking to is more important than anything else at that time.
- Remember an important date or event in someone’s life, and send a letter congratulating them at that time.
- A second thank you is always remembered and greatly appreciate it. Someone expects you to say thank you when they give you something, but say it a second time at another date and you will make their day.
- Elongate your praise for someone. Most people focus on criticism and do not stop with one sentence, yet the praise is very short – switch this around and you will make someone feel very good.