Training Material- Art of Conversation

Name: Rajnikanth Rao Nott Emp No:240330 rajnikanth.r@tcs.com

Objectives:
Overview Types of Conversation Conversation in Global Business Features of Conversation How to acquire conversational skills Essentials of Conversation
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Overview
The art of engaging in a meaningful conversation is a skill that most successful people share. A good conversationalist achieves an objective that goes beyond communicating effectively or transmitting a message clearly. A good conversation must always be a dialogue and an essentially two-way process instead of turning into a dreary monologue.

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Types of Conversation
RITUALIZING-------Social norm or practice

INFORMING---------Passing Information

CONTROLLING----Calculating

FEELING-------------Emotions & Sentiments

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How to acquire conversational skills?

Observing

Asking Questions

Interacting with wide range of people

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Conversation in Global Business

Social etiquette and conversational skills are important elements of our cross-cultural training program.

Three Way Approach:

Conversation using information that you know (culture or otherwise). Conversation based on themes you know nothing about (small talk). Conversation that arises from giving or receiving a compliment (social graces).
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Conversation in Global Business

Difficulties in Conversation:
Limited information about other cultures (or non-work related knowledge) Lack of listening skills and, therefore, an inability to respond to and adapt Poor body language to convey sincerity of interest in the conversation and adoption of a question-answer approach

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Conversation in Global Business Case Study

Let us say, for example, that Gerrard meets Rohit from AN Inc in Dusseldorf. After a preliminary two-hour meeting in the morning, they break for an hour for lunch. During the course of the meal, there is absolute silence and it seems both of them are engrossed in thoughts. The only sound audible is the clutter of spoon, fork and knife. After lunch the meeting resumes. Will Rohit get the deal? What would go in Gerrards mind? At the end of the day when Rohit leaves, Gerrard does not have a broader perspective of his Indian counterpart, but also of AN Inc He sees no communication, and wonders if the culture is too rigid to adapt too. He also thinks that his association with this Indian company will be disastrous. In other words, Rohits lack of conversational skills has made the company lose a possible deal.
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Conversation in Global Business Case Study

On the other hand Rohits counterpart Amit meets Jack o Connor in London. After a preliminary two-hour meeting in the morning, they break for an hour for lunch. During the course of the meal, the quality of their conversation is stimulating and engaging, and they cover a range of topics excepting work. The meal extends for another hour. Did Amit leave a positive impression? How did Jack feel about it? At the end of the day when Amit leaves, Jack does not merely have a broader perspective of his Indian counterpart, but also of AN Inc He sees positive communication, an adaptable culture and quality in the human resources of the Indian company. In other words, Amit conversational skills have made him a strong brand ambassador for his company

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Essential elements of Conversation:

Maxim of Quality

Maxim of Relevance

Maxim of Quantity

Maxim of Manner

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The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

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