View RSS Feed
Via EmailHow to Start Conversation in the Mall or Market
============================================
In This Newsletter…
============================================
1. Quotation of the Month
2. Conversation Tip of the Month
3. Words of the Month
4. Humor From My House
5. Check Out My Blog
============================================
1. Quotation of the Month
“If I had learned anything by hanging out with her and her friends, it was that once you got up close to people, you realized that everyone—no matter how popular he or she might be—was just a living, breathing, human being complete with zits and bad breath and ketchup stains on their shirts and all that other stuff that makes them human.”
-Robin Palmer, Geek Charming*
* I can’t believe I loved this book for teen girls, but I did. Its snobby main character is funny in her clueless way. If you liked “Clueless,” you’ll like Geek Charming, too. Did I hear someone say ”movie rights”?
============================================
2. Conversation Tip of the Month:
How to Start a Conversation in the Mall or Market
Comment on something around you.
And if you can, or if it’s appropriate, add something personal about it. Revealing something personal takes a conversation from a superficial level to a deeper one.
If you’re in a market checkout line, magazine covers offer lots of topics.
- “I see that Michael Jackson is still in the news. His death affected me more than I expected. I was sad for days.”
- “I felt sorry for the guy because…”
- “I felt ambivalent about him because…”
Follow up your comment with conversation questions:
- “What are your thoughts about Michael’s passing?”
- “Where were you when you heard the news?”
Someone is holding a shopping bag. You could say,
- “I see you’ve been shopping at the Apple store. I like going there too because…” Or
- “Isn’t technology incredible? I’m constantly amazed that someone calls my cell phone, and it rings. How does it know where I am? “
“Isn’t it a great day? I just love days like this because….” Then follow it up with something like these good conversation questions:
- “What’s your favorite kind of day?”
- “What has been the highlight of your day so far?”
============================================
3. Words of the Month: coming events
<Beware: short rant ahead.>
Use “coming events” instead of “upcoming events.” “Upcoming” is an unnecessary word. It makes me want to up throw.
============================================
4. Humor From My House
Gaelyn: “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t wash my whites with colors.”
Tracey: “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate.”
============================================
5. Check Out My Blog on
Communication Skills: A Funny Lesson on How NOT to Use PowerPoint
