All the best recruiters use these 6 ways to really get the most out of conversations, one the phone or face to face, with their clients and candidates. All of the best recruiters use these 6 ways to really get the most out of conversations with their clients and candidates, whether it is over the phone or meeting them face to face. One on one or as part of a group, these 6 principles still apply and can help you to win conversations in all situations.
1. The First 60 Seconds
The first 60 seconds will set the tone for the rest of the call or meeting. Make sure you introduce yourself and understand who you’re speaking to. Next state the reason for your call. It is rare that you will call your candidates or clients ‘just for a chat’, so have an agenda for your call and write down sub topics that you would like to talk about and let the person you’ve called know the reason for your call too.
2. Be Confident
If you’re confident you’re likely to be louder when you speak, meaning you’re more likely to be heard. Knowing what to say will make you more confident, so make sure you have planned what you’re going to speak about. Confidence can come from your body language too. Standing tall and keeping your head up can make you sound and appear more confident, even if you’re not inside. Keep good eye contact and good pace and people will listen to you.
3. Create a Compelling Conversation
The reason for your call or your ‘agenda’ has got to be of potential value to the other person, or why should they waste their time listening to you? By having a clear structure of your phone call or meeting with a goal in mind will help you to steer the conversation in a way that will be valuable to you both.
4. Be Quiet
When you have finished saying what you need to, stop talking! Give the other person a chance to talk, there is nothing worse for them than being interrupted or talked over. Allow them time to respond to what you’ve had to say. Also, if you ramble on and just reword a sentence you’ve already said, then you’re not adding any more value to the conversation. In some situations, saying nothing can be more powerful than anything you could say.
5. Listen
having a conversation with someone is NOT just talking at them. One of the most important parts of the conversation is actively listening to what the other person has to say and responding accordingly. If in person, make eye contact and use open body language to indicate that you’re listening attentively. On the phone, use the power of silence and don’t be tempted to quickly finished that email while they’re talking.
6. Think Before You Speak
You can’t unsay something once it has been said, so pause and think about your replies to questions. There is no pressure to response immediately in a conversation, take some time and think before you answer. Also, think about the tone of your reply, which can be as important as what you say. A thoughtful, considered response to a question can sometimes turn a conversation around completely.
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