The famous actress Kathryn Hepburn once said, when asked how she became so fascinating, “I only seem fascinating – the trick is to make other people feel fascinating, then they think you’re the fascinating one”.
Social gatherings are a great time to practice this art; most people want to talk about themselves – their year, their problems, their accomplishments.
When you’re at a business party or social event, resist the temptation to hold forth about yourself (even when asked, most of the time, “how are you?” is simply an automatic greeting, not a genuine request for information)
Instead, turn the conversation around, and ask the other person all about them. What they say isn’t as important as the fact that you’re listening. And voila! They may end up thinking you’re the fascinating one!
[bctt tweet=”The art of Influence can be learned; use the power tools of attentiveness and observation.” via=”no”]
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ATTENTIVENESS = Doing it with Empathy
Listen with an open mind
Cultivate a genuine interest in others
Learn to ask smart questions
OBSERVATION – Doing it With Intuition
Tune in to what is unsaid. Body language may be even telling than the words that are spoken.
Watch for body postures and gestures, as well as voice patterns[/message][su_spacer]
