The Secret to Winning Every Conversation (and More Sales)

Let’s be honest—most people overcomplicate conversations.

They overthink what to say. They rush to fill the silence. They assume they already know the answer.

And in doing so, they miss opportunities—in sales, in leadership, and in life.

But what if you could master the language of influence? What if you knew exactly what to say to move people from indecision to action?

That’s exactly what my latest guest on The Competitive Edge Podcast, Phil M. Jones, has built his career around. He’s the author of Exactly What to Say, a speaker on five continents, and a master at helping people communicate with impact.

3 Quick Wins to Level Up Your Conversations Today

1?? Swap "What's wrong?" for "What happened?" ?? This small shift makes people feel heard instead of defensive. Whether with clients, team members, or even your kids, this question invites clarity instead of frustration.

2?? Use “How open-minded would you be to…?” ?? This phrase removes resistance and makes it nearly impossible for someone to shut you down. Try it when presenting a new idea, scheduling a meeting, or making an offer.

3?? Follow the 10-5-2 Rule ?? If you want more sales, have 10 meaningful conversations with your ideal clients. From there, 5 will have a real need, and 2 will convert. Most people try to shortcut this process—but real success comes from stacking quality conversations.

And here’s the kicker: Most of your competition won’t do this. They’ll keep relying on tired sales tactics, cold outreach, and generic pitches.

But the top 1%? They go deeper. They stay curious. They create conversations that actually move people.

??? Listen to the full episode here

This episode is packed with gold. If you’re ready to master the art of conversation and stand out in your industry, this is a must-listen.

Which of these 3 shifts are you going to implement first?

Brian Covey

For more tips and insights, check out my website and follow me on Instagram. Let’s continue this journey together, striving for excellence in every aspect of our lives.