Positive Socialising
Hello, and welcome.
As dog owners we’ve been relatively lucky this last year because we’ve been out and about more than many. Our dogs have provided us with a strong reason to get out and take a walk every day—no excuses would suffice!
But soon we’ll be able to do more than greet others briefly at a safe social distance as we exercise our pets. It’s understandable if you’re a bit worried about being out of practice as a conversationalist. We all are right now.
But please, put your concerns aside! There are really only two secrets to being a great conversationalist.
Ask questions.
Listen non-judgmentally, with full attention.
The best example of a good listener is a young child. Pre-schoolers in particular are intent on acquiring language and on learning how their world works, so they try to take in everything they’re told. And what’s a pre-schooler’s favourite question? ‘Why?’
When you speak with others, become childlike. Ask questions, and listen with genuine interest. To make sure you understand the other person’s feelings and intent, ask lots more questions. Of course you can offer your own anecdotes and opinions, but try not to judge theirs. Instead, think about what you can learn from them.
If you behave in this way when you meet with others, don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’ll be in extremely high demand!
Linda