How to Turn Around A Sinking Conversation - 7 Tips
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 Take a break
Sometimes the timing just is not right. Reschedule the
conversation for a later time when you are better prepared, more
rested or not as distracted by other issues.
Forcing something to work out when the odds are stacked against
you is difficult and often unnecessary. Get back to it later
when you are feeling more capable and you will make better
decisions and with less effort.
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.