Buzz
To excel in starting and sustaining conversations, being an attentive listener is essential. Eric Barker from Barking Up the Wrong Tree highlights a technique used by hostage negotiators to establish connection: repeating the final words spoken by the other person.
Leil Lowndes, a social skills expert and author, advocates for straightforward repetition.
From
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
:
…simply echo—or parrot—the last two or three words your conversation partner said, using a supportive, inquisitive tone. This effortlessly returns the conversational focus to them.
This technique demonstrates that you're engaged, curious, and allows the other person to continue sharing their narrative.
While it requires a bit of finesse, this method is remarkably powerful.
Remarkably powerful?
Indeed, it is.
Is it?
Studies indicate
that repetition proves to be a valuable tool in negotiations
too.
Naturally, overusing this technique in a conversation might make you come across as repetitive, but it’s an excellent strategy to remain attentive and sustain the dialogue.
Photo by crazytales562.
