Art of

Conversation
Quote of the Day!

“Any problem, big or small, within a

family, always seems to start with bad
conversation. Someone isn’t listening.”

-Emma Thompson
 Think…
Until you’ve done it at least a few times,
attending a formal events can be stressful.

 What’s the best way to introduce

yourself?
Think about the list of
business networking events
 Who should you talk to?
which you will be attending
 How can you get a conversation started -
and keep it going?
as a professional in the
future. Make a list.

These are just some of the questions you

may have about how to make business
events work well for you.
 Remedy…

When You Arrive at the Event

 Offer help after your registration
 Be a greeter!
 Start by introducing yourself to people who are alone (be brave – they may be
feeling shy and in need of some company)
 Then introduce yourself to a couple of people and then a group
 Remedy…
How to Introduce Yourself

 “Hi, I’m Tushar Shah and I’m glad to meet you.”

 “Hello, I’m Amit Sharma and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

When someone introduces themselves to you, be prepared to respond

with a few phrases to get the conversation started:

 “Hi Tushar, I’m Misha Patel and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
 “Nice to meet you, Amit, I’m Jasmin Shaikh.”
 Remedy…
Keep the Conversation going…

 “Have you been to this event before?”

 “What did you think about the speaker?”
 “Have you attended very many of these events?”
 “What do you like best about attending these types of programs?”
 “What do you think of the program so far?”
 “What did you like best about the talk/speaker/workshop?” (If you saw the person in a
workshop or presentation that you attended).
From ORIGIN to TODAY
 What is ‘Art of Conversation’?
“Conversation is civilized
speech. It is more purposeful
than chatter; more humane
than gossip; more intimate
than vague debate.”
 What is ‘Art of Conversation’?
“A conversation is the
encounter of polished minds:
tactful enough to listen,
confident enough to express
themselves; subtle enough to
search out the reasons behind
the thoughts.”
What is ‘Art of Conversation’?
 Conversation Analysis
 Audience: CEOs, Executives, Experts, Teachers, Students
 Why: Eager to listen both the speakers (Knowledge, Skills, Innovation, Business Strategies etc.)
 Speakers’ Objective: Fulfil the expectations with the meaningful communication
________________________________________________________________________________
 Introduction| Repo Building| Humour | Complements| Setting a tone for the discussion
 Addressing first point: Anecdote| Personal Experiences| Data | Examples| Learning etc.
 Addressing point two: In relevance of first one and moving ahead……………
 Questions-Answers & Conclusion
 What is ‘Art of Conversation’?
Business Discussion tips
 Prepare your content
 Structure your conversation
 Focus on Agenda
 Be courteous
 Take Notes
 Direct the discussion
 End with futuristic outlook
Business Discussion process
 Self-Introduction
 Initiate a discussion
 Cover all the aspects systematically
 Keep the time limit in mind
 Involve and motivate others in discussion
 Arguments, Acceptance, and Complement
 Listen and connect the dots
 Ideal conclusion
 Tips for the Art of Conversation
 Do not dominate a conversation or make it all about you.
 Show interest and curiosity in others.
 Strive for a balance of give and take.
 Be an active listener by maintaining good eye contact
 Do not interrupt and cut in with your own ideas before the other person is finished
speaking.
 Maintain an open mind; everyone has a right to express themselves even if you don't
agree with what they are saying.
 Be prepared by staying on top of the latest news, developments and world events.
 Be approachable by staying relaxed, smiling and maintaining a friendly attitude.
 Self-Introduction
Points to be included in self-introduction
 Name
 Place
 Education
 Training
 Projects
 Skills
 Accomplishments
 Contribution
 Participation
 Family
“It's my pleasure to be interviewing with you. I am (Your Name). Basically, I
reside in (City Name). I have been living in (City Name) for (No. of
years/months) now. Currently, I am exploring job opportunities in the
(Domain Name) as I have recently finished (Degree Name) from (University
Name). I am very interested in the (Domain of your interest). That was the
reason I chose to pursue higher studies in (Program Name). Post that, my
internship experience and other practical projects in the college further
boosted my interest in (Field name) as a full-time career option. Not only am
I passionate about the field I graduated in (Mention field), I am also inclined
towards creative activities such as dancing, painting, acting, etc. I have
always been an active student in school and college. I have participated in
many cultural events during my school and college days and have won many
awards. In my free time, I enjoy going out with friends and trying new
cuisines. I also enjoy watching movies, listening to music, reading, working
out, and going on road trips. I am looking forward to knowing more about
this opportunity, and I will be happy to answer more questions.”
"Good morning ma’am/sir. It's my pleasure to introduce myself. Well, I'm Yash
Shah, born and raised in Ahmedabad. At present, I have been pursuing my
__________ from (Institute) (University) (Place) (State). Apart from that, I have
also completed ________. Recently, I have completed my summer internship at
XYZ Company. My accomplishments include being chosen as the class
representative in my college (which demonstrates your managerial abilities). I self-
taught myself Photoshop and participated in many online digital art competitions.
I was selected in the state talent scholarship examinations conducted by XYZ
organization. I have participated in many blood donation camps sponsored by
Red Cross organisations. I have a beautiful family of five members. My father is a
government employee. My mother is a homemaker. I have two elder sisters, and
both of them work in different MNCs. My hobbies are drawing, painting, and
reading books. (Say this only if you've read some nice motivational books. One
might ask you to name some of the books you've read.) That is all about me,
sir....thank you for giving me such a wonderful opportunity."
 Assignment
Self Introduction Video Submission
 Activity Time Duration: 30 Minutes
 Video length: Maximum 1 Minute
 Language: English
 Assessment Parameters: Content, Language, Coherence, Confidence, Body
Language
Conversation Skills
 Giving Suggestions

Subject + should + verb... (Direct)

 You should study listening more if you want to improve
your English.
 Mark should be more honest.
 We should try that restaurant next week.
 You should watch that movie. It is really good.
 You need to see that movie. It is amazing!
 She needs to tell us if she is going to be late.
 Giving Suggestions

Subject + should + verb... (Direct)

Situation: Suggestion to your friend to improve his food

habits and eat healthy foods
 Giving Suggestions

Subject + could + verb... (Indirect)

 You could do yoga if you want to be healthier.
 We could go to Thailand for the next vacation.
 They could come to our house for Christmas dinner.
 If he is unhappy at his job, then he could quit or tell his
boss directly.
 He could take the bus or the subway.
 Giving Suggestions

Subject + could + verb... (Indirect)

Situation: Holiday Planning

 Giving Suggestions

Why don't/doesn't + subject + verb...?

 Why don't you try Apple Juice?
 If you hate your job, then why don't you quit?
 Why don't you buy a new car? Yours always breaks down.
 Why doesn't he try to save more money? He always uses
his money very recklessly.
 Why don't they play soccer with us tomorrow?
 Giving Suggestions

Why don't/doesn't + subject + verb...?

3 Questions to your friend starting with ‘Why don’t you…’

 Giving Suggestions

How about + gerund/noun...?

 How about trying this restaurant?
 How about going back to school to get your master's degree?
 How about this movie?
 If you don't want to go outside, how about watching a movie?
 Since you don't want to get the red hat, how about the blue
one? It looks good.
 Giving Suggestions

How about + gerund/noun...?

If you don’t like _____________, how about _______?

 Giving Suggestions

I suggest/recommend that + sentence

 I suggest that you study grammar more.
 I suggest that he think more about it before he makes a
decision.
 I recommend that she focus on improving her speaking.
 Giving Suggestions

I suggest/recommend that + sentence

I suggest a book titled _________ and learn how to

______________________.
A few more forms of Advise/Necessity

Advise/Necessity:
 You have to behave politely. (Necessity)
 You must behave politely. (Strong Necessity)
 You ought to behave politely. (Advise)
 You should behave politely. (Advise)
 You had to behave politely. (Past Necessity)
 You could behave politely. (Past advise)
 You had better behave politely. (Warning)
 Giving Opinions
I think that + statement
 I think that the restaurant is good.
 I think that she is nice.
 I think that we need to lower taxes.
 I think that they should move to a new house.
 I think that air pollution is the biggest problem in our city.
 Giving Opinions
I feel that + statement
I believe that + statement
 I believe that we should invest more in research and
development.
 I believe that she will come back to me.
 I feel that this plan is not a good idea.
 I feel that I need to make a change.
 Giving Opinions
I think/feel/believe that + statement

I ___________ that ________________.

 Giving Opinions
In my opinion, + statement
 In my opinion, it is not a good idea.
 In my opinion, the property is currently overpriced.
In my view, + statement
 In my view, she is an effective leader.
 In my view, we need to spend more time for planning.
From my perspective, + statement
 From my perspective, our strategy is not working.
 Frommy perspective, their relationship is failing because they do not
communicate well with each other.
 Giving Opinions
In my opinion, + statement
In my view, + statement
From my perspective, + statement

“Give your opinion on the biggest challenge for India to be a

developed nation”
 Giving Opinions
As far as I am concerned, + statement
 As far as I am concerned, this project is dead until we get more
funding.
 As far as I am concerned, there is nothing to talk about.
It seems to me that + sentence
 It seems to me that your English is excellent.
 It seems to me that he wasn't prepared for the interview.
 Giving Opinions
As far as I am concerned, + statement
It seems to me that + sentence

It seems me that you are _______ .

 Giving Opinions
 In my experience, it was great.
 The way I see it is that our manager needs to communicate more
honestly with the staff.
 Personally, I think that it is not great.
Expressing Likes & Dislikes
Likes - Examples
 I ADORE having a meditation after work. It helps me to relax.
 I LOVE shopping for clothes in the sales. I’ve got some great bargains.
 I’M INTO making music.
 I LIKE inviting my friends around for dinner. I ENJOY cooking a special meal
for them.
 I LIKE ice-cream.
 I’m QUITE KEEN ON learning new languages.
 I THINK Mark’s idea IS BRILLIANT.
Expressing Likes & Dislikes
Dislikes – Examples
 I don’t ADORE having a massage after work. It helps me to relax.
 I don’t prefer shopping for clothes in the sales. I’ve not got some great bargains.
 I’M not INTO making music.
 I do not LIKE/dislike inviting my friends around for dinner.
 I do not LIKE ice-cream.
 I’m not QUITE KEEN ON learning new languages.
 I do not THINK Mark’s idea IS BRILLIANT.
Expressing Likes & Dislikes
Dislikes - Examples
 I’M NOT KEEN ON watching soap operas.
 I DETEST being stuck in a traffic jam.
 I HATE Mondays!
 I LOATHE visiting the dentist.
 I CAN’T BEAR selfish person.
 Shopping DRIVES ME CRAZY
 State of Activity

Past/Present state of activity/routine

I used to read a lot during my college days.
I used to walk one hour daily in the past.
I was used to reading a lot during my college days.
I was used to walking one hour daily in the past.
I am used to reading books everyday.
I am used to walking one hour daily.
 State of Activity

Past/Present state of activity/routine – Let’s practice.

(True/False)
I use to smoke but I gave up a few years ago.
 We are used to take a tea break at 10:30 AM.
I am used to scolding of my mom.
 She was used to go to the temple every morning.
 Persuading someone

Persuade a person to allow you to take printouts

first.
 Persuading someone
"Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because
I have to make some copies?“ –

"Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine? -

"Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because
I'm in a rush?“ -
 Persuading someone
Words that convey urgency:
 Now, we must act against the corruption.
 Need
 Must
 Must not
 Don't miss
 Latest
 Hurry
 Only (as in "only three days left" or "only five available")
 Today
 Tomorrow
 Persuading someone
Words that create connection:
 We shall fight back.
 Join
 Help
 Discover
 Create
 Come along
 Together
 Persuading someone
Words that help people trust you:
 As a result: He was scarred as a result of the exam.
 Caused by: The illness is caused by virus.
 For thisreason: It is all about truth, and, exactly for this reason, I
stand by her.
 Proven: It is a proven experiment.
 Research
 Tested
 Persuading someone
Words that promise a surprise:
 Remarkable: It’s a remarkable decision.
 Amazing
 Astonishing
 Startling
 You won't believe
 Unbelievable
 Persuading someone

Request/Permission:
 May I submit my assignments on Friday instead of
Thursday? (Formal)
 Can I submit my assignments on Friday instead of
Thursday? (Informal)
 Would you help me, please? (Formal)
 Could you help me, please? (Informal)
 Expressing Expectations

Expectations:
 Youare supposed to submit your assignments by
Thursday.
 Youwere supposed to submit your assignments by the
Thursday.
 You are to submit your assignments by Thursday.
 You were to submit your assignments by Thursday.