So many demands…So many distractions…Too many options. We can feel overwhelmed with how to prioritize our time, including moments for conversation. Just the other day, I declined an invitation to stop in at my neighbor’s house: the car repair shop was waiting . What a miss!
Even for a brief moment, saying “Hello” is the better choice. Not every conversation has to “Save The World”. With a little preparation, there’s always time to greet someone and engage in cursory or lengthy conversation.
The best days happen when we say “yes” more than “no” to interactions that come our way. Instead of stressing about “to do’s”, we welcome the “interruptions”. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy receiving an enthusiastic greeting! A sincere salutation is the launch for positive dialog.
Check out some tips on how we might slow down enough to interact in the best way. Once the moment is gone, it’s gone!
Five Minutes
When feeling squeezed for time, breathe and decide to take three to five minutes for greeting and “checking–in”. Ask a specific question versus a broad all encompassing “how are you”, which often just means “hello”: such as, “Tell me something that’s happening in your life these days… with your family or at work?”; Or, “what lately has made you happy?”
Big Greeting
Make the most of your time. Greet whomever your meeting wholeheartedly. Shake hands firmly. Make eye contact. Hug. Whatever your style, welcome that person into your world with gusto! If conversation is short, a warm “hello” will still be remembered.
Answer
If your cell rings, answer it. Since most of us text, receiving a phone call is even more of a gift.
Turn Off Noise
Since taking time to converse can eat into work and personal commitments, make sure to eliminate distractions when focused on projects. Be fully into whatever demands your time. Turn off unwanted sounds such as hearing the arrival of an email or a ping from a multitude of apps. Cultivate a quiet environment to become immersed in the present moment and task at hand. We all need to practice being present.
This month, slow down and hear the person in front of you. There’s always time to enjoy impromptu discussions.
Year of Conversation 2017, Question #6:
What do you like to say when greeting someone? How might you make your “hello” genuine and uniquely true for you?
