How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere
By Larry King
- You have to love what you are doing. You can’t fake that, people will see right through it.
- The right attitude is a basic ingredient to becoming a better conversationalist.
- To be a good conversationalist, you have to have a sincere interest in the other person and an openness to others about yourself.
- Respect everyone in the audience, look them in the eye and think about their interests.
- Everyone is ignorant in some area, so you can help them if that arena.
- People can always tell if you respect them. Others will listen to you better if they know you are interested in them.
- The golden rule, doing to others as you want them to do to you, is essential in speaking to others.
- Remind yourself that the people in the room are probably just as shy as you are.
- You should know that nothing you say will teach you anything, so ask questions and listen. Most people don’t listen.
- To be a good talker, you have to be a good listener.
- Good follow-up questions are the mark of a good conversationalist.
- Don’t just listen to the answers of the questions, listen to what the person is really saying.
- Making eye contact with the person before, during, and after they talk, goes along way and make you a good conversationalist.
- Staying informed to what is going on in the world will help you as you work at being a good conversationalist.
- Find a common ground with the person you’re speaking to and hone in on that.
- Don’t try to be the life of the conversation when people are trying to get down to business.
- Some people, when asked what time it is, go on to explain how a watch works – don’t be that person.
- All of us are salesman trying to sell something. Know what you are selling and don’t quit until you close the deal.
- Show people what you can do for them. Show them what is unique.
- Be prepared.
- Don’t wing it. If you do, you will run the risk of going too long, use words like “uh,” or lose the interest and respect of others listening.
- Don’t be afraid to use humor.
- Know your subject and speak from experience, it will be much easier to continue talking and keep attention if you speak on what you know well.
- If you are using notes to teach from, underline or highlight so you know where the emphasis should be placed.
- Stand up straight, do not slouch over or lean on the lectern.
- Abraham Lincoln‘s Gettysburg Address lasted less than five minutes. Another speaker that day spoke for two hours. Only one of the speeches are remembered today— you don’t have to go long.
- Brevity is important.
- A good rule of thumb is KISS — Keep It Simple Stupid.
- Stay positive. Negativity will not get you anywhere.
- Dress and look sharp.
- Keep it simple.