Does your speech have the "gift of blarney"?

"Blarney" could be defined as a person who easily uses sophisticated speech that includes flattery. Such a person may be very persuasive, or at least is good at talking.

Do you feel shy or "tongue-tied" and wish you had this gift of speech? Here are three tips to help!

First, if you know the person, figure out what comments would be especially complimentary - her outfit, her work, even her diction. If you don't know the person, observe him or her and take an educated guess. Then say (or e-mail) a compliment related to that; it could even be a metaphor such as "Your eyes are the color of the bluest summer sky."

Second, in a party or conference where you would meet strangers, look for someone who is alone, make eye contact, and smile at him or her. If the other person smiles back, go over and talk, using a sentence and a question. "This is a great conference! Is it the first time you've come?"

If you are uneasy about talking to strangers because you don't know how to get out of a conversation, use a reason such as
"It's been nice to meet you, but I have to meet some other people now. Bye!" Then be sure to do exactly what you have said.

Small Talk:Connecting with Others is packed with valuable tips on making "the gift of blarney" easier to learn.
It and other e-books and coaching are offered by Business Speech Improvement.

Seatmate Success: Starting a Conversation While Traveling

With a record number of travelers this holiday season, many people find themselves sitting next to others on airplanes, at airports and at other functions. They want to talk with them but struggle to know what to say.

Start by making a statement about something you have in common, such as the long wait or the great view outside. Then ask a question. For example, "That's an beautiful sunset out there! Do you often fly at this time of day?" Follow it up with an open-ended question, such as "What's your favorite time to fly?"

Be sensitive to others who do not want to talk. Some people want to work or sleep, for example, or prefer not to talk to strangers. But many do, and just aren't sure how to start.

This tip and many others on starting, continuing and ending conversations can be found in an e-book, Small Talk:Connecting wth Others. This concise, practical e-book
can be ordered fr om http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks. It is published by Business Speech Improvement, which provides
intensive speech coaching and e-books on many related topics.

Event Planners: Unique Way to Get Attendees Talking

Many attendees at events watch others mingle but are shy about going up to strangers themselves. As one attendee said, "I just don't know how to do it."

A practical and concise e-book (or pamphlet, on request), Small Talk: Connecting with Others, is filled with great tips on how to start a conversation, keep it going, and graciously end one as well. (Pamphlets are available with a minimal order of 200.) This e-book, available at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks, is perfect for your shy attendees to read, and can even be recommended to them before they come!

If your speakers may be hesitant to talk, the e-book Public Speaking: You Can Do It!, has many suggestions for powerful speech introductions, conclusions and ways to keep the attention of the audience. The e-book is also at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks.

Great speech makes business - and event planning - success!

Hate talking to strangers at a social event?

Do you hate making conversations with strangers, from blind dates to people at conventions or other gatherings? Learn the "unspoken rules" to make it easier! One rule is to plan 3 questions, in advance, to ask people. Consider what you have in common with them, such as being at the same event or in the same industry, and base your questions off that. For example, "How do you know our mutual friend Bob?" or "What did you think of that speaker?"

For tips on how to choose someone to speak with, start and maintain a conversation, and end one gracefully, read the e-book "Small Talk: Connecting with Others" at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks
Practical tips , for "help in a hurry" ©!