Do you dread meeting new people or speaking on topics with no substance? Sometimes it can be hard to connect with others and carry meaningful conversations, but fear not! Whether you’re looking to form and maintain personal relationships or network with others to grow professionally, incorporating these three skills will leave a positive lasting impression on everyone you interact with.
Energy
You know when you’ve met someone with good energy. It’s that spark…that pull…that je ne sais quoi. This special energy is what you should aim to bring to every interaction you have.
That something extra isn’t just a natural asset you’re born with, but a skill that can be developed. Before interacting with others, focus on yourself and what you’re bringing to the table. Invest time into cultivating an energy you resonate with because that is what others will pick up on.
If you feel anxious, or like you don’t want to be there, others will be able to pick up on this. I can’t tell you the times I’ve self-sabotaged in conversations, and left feeling like it’s because no one likes me and I’m perpetually socially awkward.
But no! The awkwardness was all because I was downgrading myself and keeping my authentic energy from shining through. It was only after I took responsibility for myself, and how I approached the situation that I began to see different results. Give it a try yourself!
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Engagement
The next skill to grow is knowing how to engage others. Being friendly goes a long way. Be sure you are giving signs that you are open and interested in speaking with others. Oftentimes when you have good energy others will seek you out, but don’t let this keep you waiting on others to approach you.
Focus on building rapport and a conversation that flows. Approach them with honesty and interest and let that lead your questions. In finding ways to connect with others, look for shared interests and activities. When you speak on a topic you know a lot about be careful that it doesn’t turn into “Look At Me” time.
It’s great to share on topics you know about, but sometimes we can get caught up in trying to convey a certain impression on the other person. When this happens it can shift the conversation into a highlight reel of your accomplishments and knowledge.
Conversations should have equal opportunity for both parties to share about themselves. If you notice the communication has shifted to be more one-sided, redirect it to let the other person know you are interested in what they have to say and share as well.
Wallflowers unite, it’s your time to bloom! I know it’s scary to approach others, but put yourself out there and take a risk on another accepting you. You’ll be surprised at how receptive other people are when you are genuinely interested in connecting with them. I know I was!
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Empowerment
If you had the power to positively impact everyone you interacted with, wouldn’t you want to do so? Well you DO have that power and it comes in the form of empowerment.
Empowerment. Is. Everything. Think back to relationships and conversations you remember most. What do they have in common? I know for me, the ones that stand out the most are those in which there was a level of genuine care and support from the other person.
It’s because of this that I always try to do the same for others. No matter who I meet, my goal is to leave them a bit more empowered than before we spoke. I’m sure when you do this as well you will gain a newfound appreciation for connecting with others, and of your own abilities.
Choose to read the space and inject positivity and openness wherever you go. Focus on being uplifting in conversations, especially when conversations aren’t leading to good topics. Support what they are interested in, and redirect from topics that are not keeping the conversation flowing.
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Have More Meaningful Conversations
So there you have it. The 3 E’s to deeper connections with others.
- Energy: Build yourself up.
- Engagement: Reach out to others and provide a healthy space to connect and interact.
- Empowerment: Focus on building them up and leaving them with a positive experience.
A way to have more meaningful conversations with people anytime and anywhere is by leading the way. By focusing on building these three points, you will be able to encourage others to engage you, connect, and create positive impressions. Try applying the Three E’s in any conversation and see what happens!
Save the infographic below to your Pinterest board or share on Facebook with others so they can also grow these 3 skills, too!
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