Top 7 Tips on How to Turn Around A Sinking Conversation

When a conversation is not working out there is the potential for massive frustration or a breakthrough depending on how you look at it.

1. Question your assumptions about the other person
   
   Perhaps the breakdown in communication is based on rumors that
   have no basis in reality. You may be unfairly judging the other
   person and filtering every word he speaks because of a false
   image of who he really is.
   
   Have you ever harshly judged someone and found out later you
   were completely in the wrong? Make sure you are not making the
   same mistake again.
   
   
2. Ask for clarification
   
   Ask the other person to fill in the gaps that are causing you to
   lose your grasp on the train of thought.
   
   Asking questions demonstrates your interest in a positive outcome
   and is to be encouraged. Never worry about looking stupid for
   asking for more information. The smartest people value information
   and are always ready to ask for more.
   
   
3. Are you really listening?
   
   Check that you are really paying attention and not just
   pretending to be. Change your posture, pay close attention to how
   the other person is talking and demand more of yourself.
   
   Become more attentive simply by choosing to be.
   
   
4. Address the issue directly
   
   Be direct and say aloud that you feel the conversation is not
   working out. Often the other person will agree and together the
   two of you will be able to work to correct the situation.
   
   Two minds are better than one!
   
   
5. Ask for help
   
   If you often have trouble conversing with a particular person get
   advice from someone that knows the other person. Very often by
   doing this you will get new insights you can act on right away.
   
   And someone who is removed from the situation will have the
   objectivity you need to make sense of the chaos you have created.
   
   
6. Ask for help
   
   If you often have trouble conversing with a particular person get
   advice from someone that knows the other person. Very often by
   doing this you will get new insights you can act on right away.
   
   And someone who is removed from the situation will have the
   objectivity you need to make sense of the chaos you have created.
   
   
7. Aim for good not perfect
   
   Sometimes we hold such high standards for ourselves that we can
   never win. If you demand 100 per cent success at all times you are
   setting yourself up for constant disappointment. Do your best and
   aim to learn and improve from every experience.
   
   Be kinder to yourself and you will be more relaxed in all of your
   dealings with other people. And ironically your performance will
   improve because you are not being so hard on yourself.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently
produced a very popular free report: 10 Simple Steps to
Developing Communication Confidence. Apply now because
it is available for a limited time only at:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/report.htm