That's Your Cue!

What cues are important in having a healthy conversation that leaves a good feeling?  I'm glad I was taught the basics of respectful interaction from parents that got it.  But, in the busyness of life and heaviness of responsibilities, good practices need to continually be relearned.  Keith Ferrazzi, in his book Never Eat Alone, gives some good insight into understanding our cues in conversation.

Keith says, "How another person perceives you is determined by a number of things you do before you utter your first word."  I couldn't agree more.  Body language is big time when it comes to engagement, making a good impression, and/or furthering a relationship.  

Here are some suggestions Keith gives from his book:

1.  First, give the person a hearty smile.  It says, "I'm approachable."  It's a good practice to ask, "what is my face saying right now?"

2.  Maintain a good balance of eye contact. It's the balance between a weird stare and a distracted drift.

3.  Unfold your arms and relax. The position of our arms and hands can say whether or not we are being open and comfortable with the person.

4.  Nod your head and lean in, but without invading the other person's space.  Natural concentration is the key here.

5.  Learn to touch people.  A shoulder or elbow touch are safe places to communicate intimacy.

The key in any conversation is to be ready for your cue.  Our response and connectedness can determine the effectiveness of our relationships.  That's your cue!

What area do you need to work on in being ready for your cue?