How strong are your conversation skills? Whether you are stepping into a boardroom, attending a networking event, or connecting with coworkers over coffee, the way you show up in conversations matters. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Tracy Hooper, founder of the Confidence Project and author of The NOW Hello. Their conversation is filled with practical tips, personal stories, and the small language shifts that make a big difference in how we connect with others.

Episode Insights Include:

Why do conversations feel so hard?

• Anxiety around conversations is common and natural.

• When we focus too much on ourselves, we are unable to focus on the other person.

• Conversations should not be about you, but about the other person.

• Shift into curiosity mode – what can you learn? How can you make them comfortable?

Techniques to start a conversation

• Before you enter any room, strike a power pose.

• "I'm going to meet some interesting people today, and this is going to be fun."

• Start with a compliment or a connection you have.

• State something that you know about them or their company.

• Compliment a person's character or trait rather than their looks.

• Use the magic words – what, how, and tell me more.

• The Golden Rule – treat everyone as if they are the most important thing in the room.

Tips for Introverts

• If you're not energized by meeting people, prepare your mind in advance.

• Don't try to meet every person in the room, select just 2 or 3 to focus on.

• It will take energy to talk to people, so be kind to yourself in the process.

• If you are exhausted after an event, take a nap!

Entering an existing conversation

• Wait for a slight pause in the conversation, then say, "May I join you?"

• Highlight what you heard them talking about.

• Toe-to-toe means no – a conversation between two people is not appropriate to enter.

• Read body language to determine if the conversation is open to others.

Help! I forgot their name

• Don't run in the opposite direction.

• Preempt the awkward – offer your name first.

• Mention that they look familiar or that you do recognize them.

• If necessary, simply say, "Help me with your name".

• Make introductions when welcoming others into your conversation.

• "Come join us, we were just talking about ___" and "Do you all know each other?"

• "I'll let you all introduce yourselves."

Politely exiting a conversation

• The graceful dismount is a 4-step art that must be practiced.

• 1- Say thank you for the conversation.

• 2- Acknowledge the stories they told.

• 3- Use a farewell phrase about the future.

• 4- Offer a goodbye gesture.

First impressions and body language

• Body language is the unsung hero of successful conversations.

• Pull your shoulders down and away from your ears.

• Good posture speaks confidence for you before you open your mouth.

• Practice good grooming in your appearance.

• Dress for success – don't touch your hair or your face.

• Check your tone of voice and slow down your words.

• Say three sentences and a period. Then it's their turn to talk.

• Consider what you actually want to say, and eliminate the filler words.

This podcast is powered by FCCS.

Resources

Connect with Tracy Hooper — Tracy Hooper

Get in touch

[email protected]

"Everyone's favorite thing to talk about is themselves, so let them!" — Tracy Hooper

"Rehearse! Everyone has to practice in order to get good at anything, including conversations." — Tracy Hooper

"If you keep curious, conversations are easier than you think." — Tracy Hooper

"Be the person that welcomes people into a conversation." — Tracy Hooper

"Body language is the unsung hero of successful conversations." — Tracy Hooper