Opening the conversation

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Opening the conversation > Opening the conversation

How do you open the persuasive conversation? The first few seconds are terribly critical and the following interaction contains many moments of truth. Here's a few pointers on how to open positively.

• Ask them easy questions: Keep the tough stuff until later.
• Ask them about themselves: A very powerful technique.
• Check your list: Be ready to ask and answer.
• Use environmental triggers: Look for ideas around you.
• Get to the point: In some conversations, niceties are not nice.
• Greeting: Get the formal start done well.
• Introduce yourself: Tell them a bit about you.
• Say something wrong: So they can correct you.
• Script the start: Write out the first few words beforehand.
• Shock and awe: Surprise them with something different.
• Wit and wisdom: Amaze them with your wit.

See also

Questioning techniques, Using Statements