Talk to Me

How much time do you spend talking to the people in your life — your father and mother, brothers and sisters, friends and teachers?

Today, with so many of us using technology and the internet, we sometimes forget how important it is to reach out to others in person, face-to-face.

This week, The Mini Page shares some ideas about being a better communicator.

Talking one-on-one

1. Respect yourself and the person you are talking with. Keep in mind that you and the other person both have good ideas.

2. Present a calm appearance, even though you might be nervous. (Most people are.) Stand or sit up straight and tall, keeping your shoulders back. (This also helps your breathing.)

Hold your head up so your mouth works better. Show a good attitude and a pleasant smile. Be enthusiastic. Speak in a soft voice. No yelling, please.

3. Look the other person in the eye. Don’t stare; a soft look is best. Don’t look around the room for someone else to talk with.

4. Focus on the other person. Make him or her feel important. Give your full attention. Focus on information you want to share. Try not to get distracted.

5. Think about what questions you might ask the

other person. Don’t think about what you are going to say to impress him or her.

6. Listen to what the other person has

to say. Don’t interrupt. Nod your head to respond to what he or she is saying. Turn your body toward the other person to let him or her know you are tuned in.

7. Don’t be afraid of silences. After a pause is a good time for you to add something to the conversation.

Meeting someone new?

Try these polite things to say when you’ve met someone new: “I hope to see you again!” “It was fun finding out more about you!” “Nice to have met you!”

Try some role-playing

You might practice with a friend some of the skills that can help you make a pleasant contact with a new person.

Try “acting,” or role-playing, with someone you know.

Situation No. 1: Person No. 1 knows several people in the room, but she sees a new person standing by himself.

Tip: The polite thing is to walk up to the newcomer and introduce yourself.

Tip: Another polite thing to do is to bring a friend over (Person No. 3) and introduce him or her to the newcomer.

Situation No. 2: You walk into a room and you don’t know anyone.

Keep in mind that everyone usually feels a little nervous in this situation. Take a deep breath. Walk up to someone in the room that you think you would like to know and introduce yourself.

Tip: To help you remember a name when you meet someone new, it’s best to repeat it.

Tip: To get a conversation going, try asking the other person about himself. For example: “What music do you like?” or “Do you have any pets?”

Be yourself. Don’t feel that you have to pretend to be someone you aren’t to get someone’s attention. Be sincere in what you have to say.