Small Audience, Big Impact

How do you master impromptu meetings and on-the-spot interaction? Here are some tips:

1 Have something to say that is of interest and is topical

Keep up with the news, and peruse your corporate report or newsletter regularly. Have two or three relevant things to say at all times. You can even “rehearse” with a trusted friend for those chance encounters with chief executive officers.

2 Focus on others

The silver bullet in business and politics is the Like Factor, but it is easy to concentrate so hard on what others are thinking of you, you forget that even VIPs care what other think of them.

Know what is going on in your company so you can congratulate people on their achievements or refer to a previous conversation, such as: “How was that trip you took last week?”

Your sincere interest in people will make a lasting impression.

3 Ask questions to start a conversation

A bright but introverted friend of mine has a gregarious wife who often drags him to parties where he does not know anyone. He used to sit in a cornet with a drink in his hand, inspecting the carpet. Then I showed him the question-asking technique.

At the next gathering, he asked the hostess about her work.

“I’m an emergency room nurse,” she said.

“What is your average day like?” he responded.

They talked for an hour. As the couple prepared to leave, the hostess told my friend’s astonished wife: “Your husband is the most scintillating conversationalist I’ve ever met.”

The moral is: When you make people feel important – letting them talk about themselves and sharing what they know - you can earn reputation as a brilliant conversationalist, even if you have hardly said a word.

4 Praise others

For example, be sure to boast about your entire team rather than your own efforts. Say how proud you are of them and offer highlights of their accomplishments. It makes you much more likeable, and the unavoidable implication is that your are a good leader.

5 Overcome shyness

When you find yourself in the lift with a VIP, forget the power plays, and do what would make your mother proud. Be cordial, smile, breathe deeply and take the initiative.

Say: “Good morning, Mr Big Shot. I don’t know if you remember me. I am Julia Lee, and I work in the communication department.”

Then congratulate him on a recent success – a speech, published article, contract or and award.

Or mention very briefly an achievement in your department: “Did you hear how we saved the company a quarter of million dollars?”

You have got just seconds to connect, so do not try to pin the Big Shot down. Perhaps the Big Shot will stop to continue the chat when you reach your floor, but more likely, you have planted the seeds for the future conversation.


Article by Patricia Fripp, a US-based executive speech coach and professional speaker on change, customer service and communication skills. Email: PFripp@Fripp.com
Website: www.fripp.com

Patricia, F. 8 January 2007. "Small audience, big impact". Cats Recruit, The Straits Times, Page C24.