Today I welcome back my dear friend, mentor and Trainer to the Stars and my co author of Networking Nuggets- Al Martella,
In Al’s words:
“Andrea and I were recently sharing stories about people we know who are “fixed” on one conversational topic.
We all know someone like this – they may have graduated from the same school as you. Or they like the same sports team that you do. Or they were co-workers at the same company as you. I knew someone who opened every conversation with me asking “How are the New York Mets doing” even after I reminded them that my wife is the big Mets fan not me!
In any event, the chances are good that the bulk of your next conversation with this person will focus on that topic unless you give them a chance to change it.
I asked Andrea “how do you redirect the conversation?” She said that it is easily done! Andrea suggests saying:
“I really enjoy our conversations about (insert topic.) Tell me about some of your other interests?”
Most people will react to the prompt and redirect the conversation.
If in the next conversation, if they still lead with the original topic, remind them of your last conversation.
“I so enjoyed our last conversation when we spoke about (the second topic.)”
Try that transition the next time you find yourself in that situation. If that doesn’t work you can always ask them “How are the New York Mets doing” (only kidding!)
What do you think? Andrea and I would love to hear from you and your thoughts and suggestions. “
**** As always, a big thanks to Al for sharing his Networking wisdom. And- “How do you redirect the conversation?”