The Delightful Conversation

In most companies, there is a magical place called the pantry – some being more magical than others, depending on the workplace. We go to there to kickback, grab a coffee and perhaps, just have a casual yarn (Australian for conversation). Despite it’s trivial appearance, the pantry is a powerful place, a place where people make or break their careers, incrementally, day by day, coffee by coffee, yarn by yarn. If you want to start making and not breaking your career, then I suggest you master The Delightful Conversation.

The Delightful what?

The Delightful Conversation can be very short, lasting as little as 1-2 minutes; a fleeting conversation that irrespective of details of what is said, leaves the other person with a feeling of delight. 

The Power of Delight

If you have enough delightful interactions with people, you will become a delightful person. Delightful people have an easier ride, they receive more support, gain more mentoring, have a greater chance of accumulating the skills necessary to achieve what they want, and find it easier to garner political support.

How to have a Delightful Conversation

Master talker, Larry King laid down some good pointers to keep in mind:

1. Ask questions

Awkard silence is, well awkward. Try to keep the awkward silence limited to a minimum, and when in doubt: ask a question! Combine with (2) to ask the right questions (equally important).

2. We like to talk about ourselves

The majority of us like to talk about ourselves. So if you ask Bob a question about Bob, chances are he will be interested. As long as you get the person to start talking about themselves, then you’re on the way to becoming delightful. 

3. Appreciation works

People like to hear genuine appreciation and praise. But only if it is genuine. So ask questions about the person, and look for things that you like. Then tell them.

4. Smile

Smiles are awesome, and they cost nothing. So smile more. It’s also scientifically proven to make you happier due to muscular trigger.

5. Caring & Sharing

Every person has a story. Some long, some short, some crazy, some normal – but we rarely take the time to learn and listen. However short your next Delightful Conversation, remember to pick up where you left off, share a little about yourself, and smile as you leave.