A business conversation is a conversation whose purpose is to resolve important issues, consider proposals for cooperation, sign purchase and sale transactions, etc. Types of business conversations are very different. All of them can be divided into two large groups: free (held without special training, for example, a meeting of work colleagues) and regulated (carefully thought out, with the obligatory consideration of the time frame). But depending on the purpose of the business conversation, the following types are distinguished : a meeting of a leader with a potential employee, a conversation between a leader and one of the employees in order to resolve certain issues, a conversation between partners in order to establish future cooperation, a conversation between colleagues regarding the solution of production issues.
For someone who is going to hold such a conversation, you need to be well prepared to get the most out of it. Preparation is an important point, since it is in many respects that the course of the conversation, the reaction to the information of the interlocutor, and, of course, the final result of the conversation will depend on it.
In advance, you need to think about what issues are best raised during the conversation. If desired, they can even be written on a piece of paper so as not to be forgotten. During preparation, you need to try to build the whole conversation from beginning to end, and for this you need to know what are the stages of a business conversation.
Any business conversation consists of 5 main stages:
1. Start a conversation. At this stage, you need to establish a confidential contact with the interlocutor, attract his attention, arouse the desire to listen to all the information to the end. This is the most difficult stage, since it is from him that the interlocutor's disposition to the conversation will depend. There are many different ways to start a business conversation. For example, you can try the stress relief method. In this case, it is enough for the interlocutor to say a few kind words or tell a joke that will soften the tense atmosphere. Another way is the so-called hook method. Here you can very briefly outline a problem or situation that is inextricably linked to the conversation itself. This may be a small event, an anecdotal case, or a trick question. For a business conversation, the direct approach method is also suitable when the conversation begins without any digressions. The task of this method is to briefly tell the interlocutor about the reason for the meeting, and then quickly move on to the topic of conversation.
2. Transmission of information. At this stage, the planned information is transmitted, as well as the identification of the goals and motives of the interlocutor, verification and analysis of his position. The statement of information should not be stretched for a long time, otherwise the interlocutor will become bored and decide to stop the conversation.
3. Argumentation. This is a way of substantiating the proposed provisions and convincing the interlocutor of the importance of the decision. It is important to conduct the argument correctly in relation to the interlocutor, listen to his position and admit that he is right, even if this does not lead to the consequences that were expected. Do not enter into a dispute with the interlocutor, express yourself clearly and clearly, avoiding the use of complex formulations and terms.
4. Refutation of the arguments of the interlocutor. This is the stage of neutralizing the comments of the interlocutor. Here you need to analyze comments, find the real prerequisites, choose a tactic and method.
5. Decision making (conclusion). At this stage, decide whether pre-defined goals will be achieved. It is important to summarize all the arguments that were recognized and approved by the interlocutor, neutralize the negative aspects, build bridges for the next conversation, and consolidate what has been achieved.
A business conversation is a chance to achieve your goal. The most important thing is not to turn it into a languid pastime, you need to do everything so that the interlocutor does not doubt for a second the importance of this conversation.