Challenging conversation? Slow down!
One thing we feedback regularly to participants during our conversation clinics is to slow down.
When we are stressed, our talking rate can increase significantly. This change in speed is part of the body's natural response to stress, involving the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for a "fight or flight" response.
The challenge is that conversations that require increased empathy, also require slower speech.
Research conducted by Wharton University analysed a wide range of conversations from doctors to customer service representatives and found a direct correlation between the happiness of customers, patients and co-workers and talk rate. The more empathy was required, the more value a slower conversation was generated. Read the research here
Wanting to embrace slow speech? Here are a couple of things that can help:
Ask a couple of trusted colleagues to monitor your speed and give you feedback after different situations.
Create a visual reminder that you will see often - a note on your workbook, or a piece of jewellery can help.
Taking notes during conversations can increase your listening skills as well as slow down a conversation.
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