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CONVERSATIONS – Formal and Informal by Merrill Ronning Whether it is a formal or informal conversation, you want to get your
point across. So I would suggest, make formal conversations such as
PowerPoint,
 keynote
addresses and sales presentations –less formal; and the informal
conversations such as staff meetings, emails and conversations with
colleagues – more formal. For now, let’s look at the latter; making
informal conversations more formal. Conversations of this kind, when
not done right, can lead to confusion. It’s easy in the informal
conversations to become lazy in focus and complacent in the choice of
words. Studies indicate that when this type of conversation is not
focused and purposeful it will waste time and create negative
consequences.To create meaningful conversations, let’s look at the “L3 Formula”= “Look – Learn -Leverage!” LOOK: Look within and determine where the conversation is coming from; your assumptions, your reaction or from your true self. The first person you lead is yourself! Great conversations come from the authentic self. To speak from the core of authenticity and with positive self esteem negates the possibility that the conversation will come from the ‘victim’ or ‘villain.’ To speak from the ‘victim’ context means to speak from self pity or I am “less” than the other. To speak from the ‘villain’ context means to speak from the side of superiority or I will win! These two styles (victim and villain) are not helpful and will create negative reaction. LEARN: The second ingredient, W.A.I.T. To learn to W.A.I.T. before engaging the mouth helps to assess the current situation. The acronym W.A.I.T. stands for Why Am I Talking? To be in control of oneself and assess the situation before speaking requires poise and maturity and self confidence. To assess what is needed is to calmly ask, “What does this present moment need in terms of a response?” Does this situation require more information? Does it require influencing/selling my point? Does this situation require some form of negotiation or reaching a middle ground? Does it require that we address a problem and find a solution? LEVERAGE: There are three skills for creating more form to informal conversations. First; clarify your purpose and organize the key concepts around your intentions/purpose. Secondly; choose words wisely as the conversation unfolds. (Avoid business fluff; phrases such as ‘you know,’ kind of,’ ‘basically,’ and ‘avoid any type of rambling.’) Thirdly; work toward creating meaning, application and relevance to the conversation through use of stories, demonstrations, examples and illustrations. Using this formula (the L3) will create conversations that are focused and meaningful. Good luck! If you would like more information about how your organization might use this wise counsel, please contact: Merrill Ronning –Executive Director: Ronning Leadership Seminars (mrtrmg@aol.com) 612 889 2699 |
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