How To Earn Co-Workers Respect Through Short Conversations

People who are smart at short conversations don’t do these things

“Short conversations are the most talk we do.”

Susan Rowan, American writer, and speaker

One of the common concerns of people at work is the lack of social interactions with colleagues. Now that we’re back in the hybrid world of work (in and out of offices), we’ll be interacting more face-to-face again.

You must have short conversation skills to be good at social communication.

Fortunately, these skills can be learned.

Short conversations help you grow your relationships with your colleagues, and friends at work. It can help you create strong social connections that you may need in the future.
When you have brief conversations about things outside of work, these conversations enable you to connect with other people. This helps you be smart at work and build your confidence.
In order to be smart in short conversations, you must avoid five common speaking hurdles if you want to be good at it.

1- You Don’t Communicate

When talking to someone, don’t look at the floor, and don’t look at your smartphone. But look up there over their shoulders, and better yet, look directly at the speaker’s face. Be present… Please give them your 100% attention.
It is easy to see the short conversations as insignificant. On the contrary, it is more than just social etiquette or social kindness. The initial conversation is where how relationships begin and grow. Find ways to make a real connection and put some effort into it.

“Be genuinely interested in every person you meet, then everyone you meet will be interested in you too.”

Rashid Ogunlaro, life coach, speaker, author

2- Talking Controversial Topics

Do not talk about controversial topics that you may not be part of it. Stay away from them and don’t bring them up in short conversations.
You can talk about these topics in later, longer conversations, but don’t do it while you’re leaving work, or when circumstances don’t allow it. Choose something simple and something you are passionate to talk about. It could be the sport you play, the trip you’re planning, or the hobbies you have outside the workplace.

“Meeting new people and making new friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Conquer your fears and get out there where the people are.”

Tony Clark, former Major League Baseball player

3- Intervene And Disrupt

Resist the urge to interrupt the person who speaks in front of you. Timing is everything when it comes to conversations. Wait for the conversation to cool down before asking a new question or telling a new story.
Everyone wants to talk, but no one wants to listen. People are in need of you to listen to them and not interrupt them. It happens then with active listening, you will be better at short conversations. It’s not that difficult if you don’t interrupt the person speaking in front of you.

“Everyone you meet knows something you don’t. So learn from them.”

Bad. Jung, Swiss psychologist

4- Negative Nonverbal Communications

Short conversations may sound like you’re not saying anything substantial, but you’re speaking by your body language. We communicate more with others through our nonverbal communication than through our verbal communication. Body language provides you with insights on how to read others, and how others read you.
Make sure that you are communicating positively through your body language. Make sure to show positive gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. Notice that, unlike verbal conversations, body language occurs subconsciously, so don’t forget how to communicate through your body during short conversations.

“Since there is nothing better than having friends, never miss the opportunity to make them.”

Francesco Guicciardini, Italian historian and statesman

5- Talking A Lot About Yourself

We like to talk about ourselves more than others. The habit starts from our childhood when we are young, and then becomes normal when we are adults. However, know that people want a balanced conversation in which everyone talks about 50% of the time.
When someone is speaking, you should not focus on what you are going to say, nor on what you are going to respond to, but for the time being, just listen to them. Ask them questions to continue their conversation without interruption. Put yourself in their shoes. Get rid of the urge to “bragging” that you did such and such.

“I want to meet new people; I think we each have a story to tell. We should all listen to others.”

Kim Smith, former American actress

Conclusion

If you avoid these 5 common mistakes, you can be smart in short conversations. Make an effort to connect with others, avoid talking about controversial topics, and be sure not to interrupt others. Communicate with positive body language and don’t talk about yourself too much.

If you avoid these five preys, you will become a better and more respected speaker, and you will build more social bonds with others.

“Every new friendship can make you a new person because it opens new doors within you.”

Kate DiCamillo, American author