“So, tell me about yourself!”
These words are irresistible. Most
people really do like to talk about themselves - and most people never get to.
Give them the chance to talk about themselves, and they will like and trust you
instantly.
Now, it’s really
important to resist the temptation
to start talking
about you - just let them talk.
After they like and trust you, and you
have made a new friend, there will be plenty of time to talk about yourself.
There’s an extra
added goodie you get by listening, too: by allowing them to talk about
themselves, it gives you the space to decide how close you want to become with
this person.
Learn how to use these important,
supportive phrases, too: “Hmmmmm,” “Tell me more,” etc. Another phrase I use
with store clerks, carry out boys, and anyone I want to make feel good is, “So,
how has your day going been so far?”
Because of this
simple question, I have heard the hopes, dreams and fears of almost every carry
out boy at my local grocery store. This phrase signifies that you really do
care. It is so much better than “How are you,” which elicits the same old
ingrained response of, “Fine, and you?”
Try this until
it becomes comfortable for you - people will love and trust you instantly. You
will get a warm fuzzy
feeling, because you have made someone
feel better.