Talking Turkey: 10 Ways to Avoid Political Arguments at the Thanksgiving Table

 

If you're like lots of people these days, you're talking politics. But are you persuading your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors that your favorite candidate is the best choice or are you simply offending -- or even worse -- making political enemies? Here are the biggest "Don'ts" when discussing politics:

 

1.     Don't lose your temper.

2.     Don’t lose your sense of humor.

3.     Don't make personal comments about people or politicians with whom you disagree.

4.     Don't be disagreeable when you disagree with someone's opinion.

5.     Don't interrupt when someone is making a point.

6.     Don't argue one point to death -- whether you are right or wrong.

7.     Don't expect to get someone to agree with you just because you think you're right.

8.     Don’t assume that you and the other person disagree on all issues.

9.     Don’t pressure the other person to agree with you.

10. Don't continue to talk politics if you or the other person is upset.

 

Don Gabor is a communications trainer and author of a dozen books and tapes on conversation skills. To receive a free download of his ebook, Plane-Talk: Networking at 30,000 Feet visit his website at www.dongabor.com.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS are a Great Place to Network

Now is the time to sharpen your networking style so you can mingle with poise and confidence with all kinds of people you'll meet at wedding receptions. It's easy to be good at small talk and make business connections if you know how to adapt your networking style and don’t say the wrong thing.

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD Chapter 1: "Identifying Your Natural Networking Style"

from my book, Turn Small Talk Into Big Deals: Using 4 Key Conversation Styles to Customize Your Networking Approach, Build Relationships, And Win More Clients.  http://www.dongabor.com/get-free-book/ 
The idea here is when the time is right to gently bring up business topics so you can follow up with those people at a later date. Coming on too strong like a networking shark, talking shop, or being a know-it-all will NOT win you points with your host or a new client.  

Of course, since you never know who you might be talking to, NEVER SAY these conversation killers:

x  "I hope this marriage lasts longer than his/her last one."

x  "If you ask me, they're making a big mistake."

x  "This will be the happiest day of their lives." (Implying that the rest of their lives together will be all downhill.)

x  "His/her ex- was a lot better looking and had more money, too!"

x  "This food isn't as good as the food at the last reception I went to."  

x  "I hate cheap champagne. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers!"

x  "I bet this wedding and reception cost a bundle. How can they afford it?"

x  "I wonder if she is ... well you know ...."

x  "When it comes to choosing a spouse, he/she could have done better."

x  "No doubt about it - she/he married him/her for the money."

To help target your networking efforts, ask for a guest list or even request an introduction from a mutual contact. Your goal is to build rapport--not make a sale, get a job, or snag a client. Keep your conversation light, fun and upbeat, and listen carefully for opportunities to tactfully transition into a business conversation.

When you learn about your personal style of networking—your strengths, weaknesses, preferences and motivations, you'll be pleasantly surprised how much easier it is to identify, tune into and connect with the conversation styles of others at wedding receptions and other social events.

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD Chapter 1: "Identifying Your Natural Networking Style"

from my book, Turn Small Talk Into Big Deals: Using 4 Key Conversation Styles to Customize Your Networking Approach, Build Relationships, And Win More Clients.  http://www.dongabor.com/get-free-book/ 

 

Don't Blow It at Your Next Networking Event

Networking opportunities are endless, but many people make several classic mistakes when they attend business events. What can you do to avoid common mistakes when networking and make your time pay off?  

Look below for what NOT to do and how to turn a networking "Oops, I did it again" into a profitable business conversation.

Mistake #1 - Incorrect networking goal: "I want to make a sale."  

Correction:  Networking is a marketing opportunity, not a sales presentation.

Mistake #2 – Waiting for others to approach you. "I don’t know how to break the ice."

Correction:  Be the first to say hello and start conversations centered on the event you are attending.

Mistake #3 – Huddling with your colleagues: "I’m comfortable talking to people I know."

Correction:  Mingling with strangers shows your are confident and want to make new contacts.

Mistake #4 – Not remembering a person’s name. "Why bother? I’ll never see him or her again.”

Correction:  Using a person’s name creates a positive impression and builds rapport.

Mistake #5 – Avoiding small talk: "Small talk is a waste of time."

Correction:  Casual conversation allows you to quickly and informally exchange information that leads to hidden business opportunities.

Mistake #6 – Talking too much about yourself: "Let me tell you all the great things I do."

Correction:  Asking about the other person’s business or industry issues before discussing yourself allows you to position yourself as a problem-solver and resource.

Mistake #7 – Being a “know-it-all”: "I’m right – your wrong."

Correction:  Seek the views of others to find areas of agreement.

Mistake #8 – Being too quiet. "I’m afraid I’ll be boring."

Correction:  Reveal enough information about yourself so others  will know what you are willing to talk about.

Mistake #9 - End an encounter after a moment of silence or a negative comment. "Ah, nice meeting you. Bye." 

Correction: End all your conversations on a positive note by using the person’s name and repeating something he or she said that you found interesting, helpful or insightful.

Mistake #10 - No follow-up: "Why contact someone who can’t help me?"

Correction: Maintaining contact after an initial meeting allows the business relationship to develop and flourish over time.

Now that you know what to do, learn how to build rapport with everyone you meet at networking events -- FAST! 

Get Chapter 1 FREE from Don's book, Turn Small Talk Into Big Deals: Using 4 Key Conversation Styles To Customize Your Networking Approach, Build Relationships, And Win More Clients  

For a FREE PDF Download: Chapter 1: “What’s Your Networking Style?"  

Click here: http://www.dongabor.com/get-free-book  

For more information about how Don Gabor can speak at your upcoming meeting please contact him at 718-768-0824 or don@dongabor.com.  

Don Gabor Conversation Arts Media Dongabor.com
Don@dongabor.com 
718-768-0824

FREE Ebook! Intimate Conversations: How to Talk to the People You Love -- My February Gift to You

4 WAYS TO ATTRACT OTHERS -- WITHOUT WORDS!

     “Hey, didn’t I see you on the cover of Cosmo?” "Are you a model?" or "Didn't we meet on a (nude) beach?" How many times have you heard (or said) corny opening lines like these? No question about it, they show chutzpa, but do they really impress others?

“Probably not,” says Don Gabor, the author of HOW TO START A CONVERSATION AND MAKE FRIENDS. According to Don, “Studies show that over 70% of face-to-face communication is non-verbal and your body language speaks before you do. So be sure to send the right kinds of silent signals before you open your mouth.”

Here are four easy ways to attract others without words:

1.      Make eye contact – This is usually the first non-verbal signal that shows interest. Hold the person’s gaze for a few extra seconds, but don’t stare.

2.      Give a gentle smile – This is the second non-verbal signal that says you are friendly. No Cheshire cat grins, please!

3.      Keep your arms unfolded – This non-defensive posture shows that you are receptive and open to contact.

4.      Make your approach – Moving within 3 – 5 feet of the other person shows confidence and a desire to make contact.

Then the next steps are to:

·         Break the ice naturally based on your surroundings.

·         Get the other person talking with an easy-to-answer question.

·         Build instant rapport and trust by exchanging background information.

·         Introduce yourself and make a connection by identifying common interests.

                                                       

What's the trick to attracting people? Don suggests, "Show interest in others in a positive way. People get nervous when they talk to others they find attractive because they think they need to say something clever. The trick is not to try to impress but instead to send verbal and non-verbal messages that say you think the other person is the impressive one. People like and are attracted to others who appear to like them.” 

For a FREE copy of my e-book, Intimate Conversations: How to Talk to the People You Love 

Click here: http://www.dongabor.com/get-free-book


For more information about how Don Gabor can speak at your upcoming meeting please contact him at 718-768-0824 or don@dongabor.com.  

Don Gabor Conversation Arts Media Dongabor.com
Don@dongabor.com 
718-768-0824