Three Ways to Handle Small Talk … May 14th, 2015

   Jonathots Daily Blog

(2580)

People who think they’re good at small talk are probably doing all the talking.

Small talk is not big talk–it’s the ability to enjoy a conversation with someone, even if they’re a stranger, while filling the time that has been imposed upon you to be patient.

I am of the school of thought that every person I meet deserves a smile and a “good day.” Beyond that it’s up to me how deeply I want to engage with them.

But many people fail at small talk because they don’t know how to get in and how to get out. Here’s my approach:

1. What are you doing?

I do believe that every human being is anxious to share his or her heart’s desire, whether it’s the job, upcoming fishing trip or renovation on a kitchen. Their minds are ablaze with the endeavor and they are certainly willing to fill a paragraph or two to tell you of their passion.

But after this point the interchange will die if you don’t have a good follow-up:

2. Why are you doing it?

This question will probably surprise them–yet I will tell you, the motivation for pursuing their dream is very strong. They may become thoughtful and then give you a very deep and often personal answer. It creates some warmth and generates a “lotion of understanding” between the two of you.

And then, just when you think the embers of the fire are dying out, close with one final inquiry:

3. How’s it going?

In other words, how are you finding the whole process? Is it what you thought it was going to be? More work or more fun?

In offering these three questions to those who cross your path, you not only carry on great small talk, but you provide benefit by allowing them to clean out some clutter in their brain about what, why and how they do things.

Make sure when you finish that third question and they’re coming to the end of how they feel about their pursuit, that you excuse yourself. Tell them how much you enjoyed the time, and move on along.

I have just found that if you follow this simple formula, you will probably never meet anyone you can’t chat up. I have used it on a senator from Washington, D.C. and a gang-banger on the street … although some people would insist there’s not that much difference betwixt the two.

 

The producers of jonathots would humbly request a yearly subscription donation of $10 for this wonderful, inspirational opportunity

click above for information on 567!

 

Messin’ With My Mess… January 2, 2014

Jonathots Daily Blog

(2109)

• Two filmmakers.
• One aspiring dental hygienist.
• Two people who own their own housecleaning business.
• A great cinematographer.
• Three sound technicians.
• A drum-line instructor.
• An ordained minister.
• A guitar maker.
• Five grandchildren.
• An extraordinary musician.
• A gamesman and blogger.
• Food service.
• National director of a beauty company.
• An entrepreneur businesswoman.
• An English teacher.
• Two bass guitar players.
• A studio producer.
• A pair of young singers and actresses.
• A retired administrative assistant.

Behold–a list of the doings of the family and friends pictured above, which happens to be the group of individuals with whom I shared Christmas cheer.

I was “Daddy” to some, “Pop” to others, “G-Pop” to a few, longtime friend, confidante, and now I am the aging patriarch who travels the country, cropping up every once in a while to remind them of their heritage.

As I sat in the midst of the photo session for the picture  you see today, I was thinking to myself, “What do I hope for these people?”

Is it realistic to dream that they might share my faith? Part of me wishes they would, because my substance of hope certainly conjures delightful, unseen evidence.

How about my politics? Well, since I feverishly and fervently avoid such foolishness, it might be difficult for them to pinpoint my leanings.

No, family is the great testing ground for us to realize that it is important to love people without ever thinking you’re going to control them. I really only hope that they maintain three cardinal principles:

1. Love people.
2. Like your work.
3. Hate injustice.

Because without loving people, you have absolutely no chance of ever seeing God. And if you don’t like your work, it makes most of your day feel tedious. And if you don’t have the foresight to stand up against injustice, you will feel very silly and be proven wrong more often than not.

So take the picture. Preserve it for all time.

But hopefully when we stroll out of the room to our varied pursuits, we can remember that great trinity of responsibility.

 

The producers of jonathots would humbly request a yearly subscription donation of $10 for this wonderful, inspirational opportunity

Click for details on the SpirTed 2014 presentation

Please contact Jonathan’s agent, Jackie Barnett, at (615) 481-1474, for information about scheduling SpiriTed in 2014.

click to hear music from Spirited 2014