The Art of Confident Conversation

by Mike Moore

When I first started speaking for a living I had great difficulty with one-on-one
conversation with members of my audience. I could speak before 2500 people and enjoy
every minute of it, but when I was expected to mix and mingle my tongue became all
thumbs. I decided to get to work improving my conversation skills and researched the
topic thoroughly. My efforts paid off for now I can speak with anyone, anywhere for any
length of time. Let me share with you what I learned.

There are three fundamental principles upon which good conversation is based.
1. It is better to be interested than interesting
2. There is nothing as flattering as the undivided attention of another human being.
3. People long to talk about their favourite topic which is “themselves.” Keep these
in mind and you can’t fail in becoming a great conversationalist.

*Assume the responsibility for starting and maintaining the conversation.
I usually begin with a friendly ” Hi, I’m Mike Moore and I’m from Canada”
Usually the response is ” Hello, Mike I am ____________ and I’m
from___________. (Away you go.)

*Use the person’s name throughout the conversation. It shows that you’re interested
in and focused on the other.

*Let the other be the centre of attention.

*Show a genuine interest in the one you’re speaking with.

*Maintain eye contact.

*Ask questions that require more than a one word answer.

*When you ask a question listen attentively to the answer and be quick to ask
another question arising from the response to the first. You learn what to say by
listening carefully to what was said.

*Put the other at ease by smiling and nodding frequently throughout the conversation.

*Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.

*Don’t feel the need to disagree until you get to know the person better.

GREAT CONVERSATION PHRASES CONVERSATION STARTERS
“That’s interesting. Tell me more.”
“Give me an example of what you mean.”
“How would you like to see it turn out?”
“How did you feel when that happened to you?”
*Give a compliment.
*Ask for advice.
*Seek help with something.
*Give praise.
*Seek an opinion.

I keep six honest servants
They taught me all I know.
Their names are what and why and when
And how and where and who.
R. Kipling

This is an excerpt from Mike Moore’s booklet
How to Overcome Shyness and Connect with People
(click the title to get a chance to purchase your copy)

Mike Moore is an international speaker and writer on humour and human health and relations.

Mike Moore Speaking

About Mike Moore

Mike has been involved in providing workshops, seminars and motivational presentations for groups in business, industry, government, education and the helping professions for 25 years. All his presentations involve good content, music, humor and story.

He speaks to organizations, businesses and professional groups throughout Canada and the United States on the role of humor in human relations and human wellness. Mike is the author and illustrator of three very popular books- Light Up With Laughter, Embracing the Mystery and You Know You’re Stressed Out When…

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One of Mike's Best Sellers, click on the image to purchase it, or click here to visit the store and view other products.

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Published Works

• You’ve Got to Laugh (cartoons for and about teachers)
• Embracing the Mystery (wit and wisdom from a life in progress)
• Light Up With Laughter (the humor and Health connection)
• Live, Laugh, Love and Be Happy (audio CD/ cassette)
• Dealing With Difficult People (manual)
• Humor in the Workplace (manual)
• You’re Not Alone (How to Parent Teens and Stay Sane)
• How to Cope With Difficult People at Work
• You Know You're Stressed Out When...
• Coping With Toxic Parents (a teachers’ survival guide)
• How to Improve Staff Morale With Humor, Appreciation and Praise (Special Report)
• How to Deliver " Knock ‘Em Dead" Business Presentations (Special Report)