Learn the simple yet profound habit of tailoring conversations to others’ interests, easily fostering deeper connections. Start now to explore how this tactic can elevate your communication skills and make every interaction more meaningful.
Step 1: Cultivate Genuine Curiosity
Habit: Develop an interest in learning about others.
Practice:
- Start with a mindset shift to become more other-oriented rather than self-oriented in conversations.
- Practice active listening, which involves paying full attention to the speaker, showing interest, and refraining from interrupting.
- Use open-ended questions to encourage others to talk about their interests.
Step 2: Do Your Research
Habit: Make it a routine to learn about the interests of the people you frequently interact with.
Practice:
- Before meetings or social gatherings, take a moment to think about what you know of the participants’ hobbies, likes, or current projects.
- Use social media and other resources to gain insight into their interests.
- Keep a note on your phone or a small notebook with key points about people’s interests for quick reference.
Step 3: Engage With Their Interests
Habit: In every conversation, aim to steer the topic towards the other person’s interests.
Practice:
- During conversations, look for opportunities to shift the focus onto the other person’s interests.
- Share your own experiences or knowledge that relate to their interests to show understanding and engagement.
- If their interest is something you’re unfamiliar with, ask insightful questions that show your willingness to learn.
Step 4: Deepen Your Knowledge
Habit: Regularly educate yourself about the interests of the people around you.
Practice:
- Dedicate time each week to read articles, watch videos, or listen to podcasts about these interests.
- Attend events or workshops related to these interests to gain firsthand experience.
- Discuss these topics with others who share the interest to broaden your understanding.
Step 5: Follow Up and Follow Through
Habit: Show that you remember and care about peoples interests over time.
Practice:
- Bring up their interests in follow-up conversations to show that you remember previous discussions.
- If you come across something related to their interest (like an article or event), share it with them.
- Encourage their interests by congratulating them on any achievements or milestones related to those interests.
Note: Incorporating these steps into your daily routine can help you build the habit of talking in terms of the other person’s interests, which is a cornerstone of building strong, and lasting relationships.
