Listen before you try to persuade

The goal of listening is to make the other person feel heard. Listening is understanding where emotions come from, and it is not always rational. It is based on experiences and perspectives.

We all have biases and blind spots. That makes it essential to have uncomfortable conversations with...

• Be curious about the other person.
• Your smile and will go a long way toward a positive first impression.
• Listen, then show you were listening.  
• Talk about your business in a casual, non-salesy way.
• Research attendees and come pr...

• By listening closely to what people have to say, you shift your attention from your thoughts to the person speaking.
• This practice works for social anxiety as well and you can use it to overcome the fear of talking to people. Instead of being entangled in thoughts like "what do I hav...