Anyone can commit social blunder, anytime, anywhere. It is either you have mistakenly spat on someone when trying to pronounce some words or someone has spat on you while laughing.
Despite the fact that everyone gaffes, we must continue to try to avoid common mistakes especially in business conversations.
Some businessmen and women have good intentions to imbibe and maintain etiquette but are challenged by the differences in the requirements based on culture, places, gender and the people involved. Take the advancement in technology as one example; the use of mobile phones in sending text messages has brought about less formality. People in business now send incomplete sentences and abbreviations.
Nonetheless, an ideal business conversation should be laced with etiquette and manners. It is a matter of equality; thus, you are bound to listen courteously.
Your business acumen should be laced with wit and vivacity. It is good to make money but it is equally good to have a cultivated mind such that you can hold impressive and fine small talks.
Avoid unnecessary disagreements, bearing in mind that when you win most arguments, you lose many relationships including business. There is no harm in yielding gracefully and declining further altercation.
Learn to hit the nail at the head. When you understand that most people have short attention span, you will appreciate the importance of being precise. Keep yourself from making long, tedious and boring speeches. Again, you are not the focus so if you must talk about yourself, please keep it very short.
On the other hand, shun idle talks. Resist talking about people who are not present, especially when the comment is negative or injurious to the person.
MIND YOUR TONE; A harsh voice or a dictatorial manner is repulsive, worst still when you raise your voice. Be amiable but avoid flattery as well as ridicule. Keep away from pause fillers and other unnecessary irritating sounds.
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE; Avoid ambigous words and completely eliminate jargons that may be confusing. Speak to be understood and respect other people’s right and privacy- do not open subjects that may be too personal. Do not publicly offer unsolicited advise. You may hurt or humiliate others.
MIND YOUR ATTITUDE; It is in bad taste to talk as if you are conversing with only one person when you are in a group. This happens when you maintain eye contact with only one person or choose subjects that others have no interest or knowledge. Inside jokes and “remember when’s ?” with your old school mate should be reserved for alumni meetings.
MIND THE “one-uppers”. They are those who love to show their superiority by telling counter stories to outshine yours. Some of them tempt you to unconsciously engage you to overshare. You may end up spilling your life story within a couple of minutes. Never cast your burden on others or worststill, show desperation. It repels potential customers.
MIND YOUR TOPICS. There are several fine issues to choose from when having a conversation. They include movies, books, sports, hobbies, music, technology, to mention just a few.
Reserve your political opinion for your next political meeting.
Age issues are serious issues especially for women, keep off!
In conclusion, even though some of these rules are easier said than done, you can take your business to the next level with fine conversation skills.
CHIAMAKA BOBBY-UMEANO
