by Tracy Brinkman ofBrinkmann and Associates

After a recent seminar I conducted, one of the attendees came up to meandshared that he really had no problem getting up in front of a largeraudience.

He stated that presentations were preferred over the hall meetings thathappen some many times during our business day. His ability to prepare for theselarge presentations gave him a comfort level that he was not able to attain whenapproached spur-of-the-moment by a senior member of his company.

Being a newer member of the company his real concern was that he might not beleaving the impression that he desired, when approached in these impromptumeetings. His fear was that he was leaving his fellow associate pondering hisbroken and rambling communication style rather than his insights, answers andideas.

My advice to him was to first realize that there is no such thing as privatespeaking (unless your are alone talking to yourself). Anyone that gives anarranged presentation is obviously more comfortable because they have the timeto prepare, which is only natural. But you have to realize that these impromptumeetings at your desk, in the hallway or on the elevator can have as muchof an impact on your success track as your prepared speeches.

Luckily, you can prepare for, become skilled at, and even master thespontaneous interactions that are sprinkled throughout the day by 

Asking questions to start the conversation. Better yet, ask questions thatallow the other person to talk about themselves. My best friend has one of thosepersonalities where once you get to know him he opens up.

However, until then he does not say a whole lot. Working for a majorcorporation he attends quite a few gatherings and was rather uncomfortable withthe number of people that he did not know at these gatherings. I told him aboutthis technique of asking questions and he gave it a try. He was quickly amazedat how little you really have to say to be considered quite theconversationalist. He found out that if you ask people key questions abouttheir work, hobbies, etc., that they are more than willing to share.

Focus on others. The previous point leads right into this next technique.

Conversations flow easily when you and the other person are alike in some wayor on some topic. However, conversations are just as easy when you display asincere interest in what the other person is like or likes. Keep up with what isgoing on around you so you can give your fellow associates compliments andcongratulations on projects accomplished, promotions earned, home purchasesetc.

This sincere interest will have a far more lasting impression than any verbalblunder you might make in the hallway.

Give Praise to others. Spinning off of the previous point around focusingon others. Keep up with what is going on so you can give praise to thosethat deserve it. When receiving recognition for the efforts of your team, alwaysremember to tout the efforts of the whole team. Give each persons name andexamples of their contribution to result that you are being praised for.

Keep up! In the last two points you read keep up with what is going on.Do this at a department, company, national and world level. Each will not be atthe same level of detail of course, but surely be aware of the major happeningsat all levels of your world. Keep up with the local and world news. Review yourcompanys annual report and other publications they circulate. From thesesources of information, mentally prepare yourself with two or three things tosay in your next impromptu hall meeting. When you first start this particulartechnique I would even suggest rehearsing this in front of a mirror or with asupportive friend.

Here is a great place to combine techniques by asking a question in regardsto something current or topical.

Dont be shy! Take a deep breath, gather your thoughts and speak! It soundssimple because it is. All the great rules of life are. If you find yourself infront of a senior member of your company (waiting for or on the elevator,arriving early to a meeting, or in the parking lot) take a deep breath, gatheryour thoughts and speak! Greet them with a pleasant GoodMorning/Afternoon/Evening! depending on what time of the day it is.

Now use the other four techniques you just read about. By keeping up, you cangive praise on a recent accomplishment that they, their department, or thecompany has attained. You could ask about their vacation, new child, or otherpersonal info. By keeping up you could ask if they know would share specifics ona company buy-out, the million dollars saved, or other topic that you read aboutin the company periodicals. Even if they dont stop to have a completeconversation with you now, you surely have made a positive impression andplanted the seeds for a future conversation during you next planned or unplannedencounter.

Speaking impromptu is not as hard as it appears. Much like larger plannedpresentations, there are steps you can take to be prepared for a spontaneousconversation with anyone. Remember to ask questions, focus on the person you aretalking to, give praise, keep up with what is happening around you, and dontbe shy! Try this and you will quickly find yourself far more at ease withoff-the-cuff conversations!

Think Successfully!

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(C) Tracy Brinkmann 2000-2001 all rights reserved

Tracy Brinkmannof Brinkmann and Associates

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