Listening is an art that forms the foundation of effective communication, and becoming a good conversationalist hinges on this skill. As the adage goes, “We were born with one mouth and two ears, so we should listen twice as much as we talk.” This principle served me well during my tenure in large enterprise sales to government agencies. Unlike the traditional approach of making pitches, I focused on asking questions. This technique kept the conversation flowing and unearthed a wealth of information that proved invaluable in crafting tailored proposals. Despite not having the best product on the market then, our ability to deeply understand and respond to our client’s needs significantly boosted our market share. The secret? I simply asked questions. People naturally enjoy talking about themselves, and by employing this strategy at dinner parties or networking events, you ensure the conversation remains engaging. The beauty of asking questions is that it makes others feel heard and valued, leaving them with the impression that you are an exceptional conversationalist.
