photo © 2008 Ed Yourdon | more info (via: Wylio)Celebrity interviewer Warren Etheredge spoke at the 140 Characters Conference this week, sharing his top tips for having an engaging conversation, be it with a celebrity or a lover.
1) Prepare yourself to listen.
Smart phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers — there are endless distractions that split out attention. Some call it multi-tasking; in conversation, it’s just disrespectful. Be ready to put your full attention on the person across from you.
2) Prepare to be unprepared.
Do whatever background research you need to do to be prepared to interview. Etheredge pointed out the wide continuum of preparedness from Larry King who just winged it to James Lipton who prepares stacks of blue cards. When it came down to questions, what they ask is actually quite similar.
But only ask questions for which you don’t know the answers; it keeps you invested in the conversation and interested in the responses.
3) Get the other party’s attention with first question.
Ask something surprising that the subject doesn’t expect. In fact, this first question is the only one Etheredge prepares to set up the the entire interview. It might just get her to put her guard down.
4) Win her trust.
Make sure you show her that you’re there to listen and are interested in what she has to say. “Conversation is the greatest gift someone can give you.”
Body language tells is telling, so lean in and make eye contact.
5) Earn her respect.
Don’t just be a passive listener. “Let them see their story in a new light” by sharing your own experiences or thoughts on the subject. Be an active participant in the conversation.
Final thought: People touch the way the want to be touched.
If you really listen, you’ll get cues from her about how to be a better partner in conversation or in life.










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