Creating a Dialogue

Creating a dialogue with clients and sources.

Dialogue is not exactly like real conversation, you have an agenda in a dialogue, but it should sound like real conversation.

Don't try to provide too much information (or ask for too much).

Body language tells you how you are doing in your dialogue. Watch your client or source. It also can say things that are not in your agenda. Watch yourself.

Silence is deafening. Know when to shut up!

Remember attitude in your dialogue with clients and sources. How you are perceived as a person can be just as important as what you say.

Break up dialogue with action. Go do something…

Hands speak as loudly as any words. Be mindful of what your hands are doing. You can emphasize with them, they can warn, they can appeal.

Less is more. Say it in as few words as possible

When voices change pitch, register, or tone it gains attention and draws people in to the importance of what you say next.

Don't use profanity or slang in your dialogue. Unless it works…

Physical contact is one of the strongest kinds of human communication. The first time you meet somebody, it is your handshake, among other things, that reveals so many details about you.

Listen to how your clients and sources talk to each other. Watch and listen for indications from both about each other. You may catch something important for later.

Don't try too hard to vary your lines or phrases when creating your own dialogue.

Eyes are marvelous tools in expressing your thoughts. Looking at someone and smiling while you are in a dialogue can be more important than what you are talking about.

Watch and listen to others constantly, noting both good and bad dialogue.