Throw Up

The phone conversation began innocently enough. The caller had attracted my attention, minimally enough to lead to a computer aided presentation. We scheduled the web-based meeting and the call came in and I noted that it was just a few minutes late. Without any small talk, the presenter started delivering and after approximately one hour, they asked me how I felt about their services. Literally the presenter talked (seemingly without taking a breath) for over an hour, rattling off opportunity after opportunity. They threw up and the contents of the ranting came rather forcefully out of the phone and filled my office. A few of the 100,000 points they made during the never ending presentation did peak my interest and encompass some things that may hold potential for our company. However they still do not realize that since they never ask. The conversation was not a conversation at all, it was a auctioneer-paced dump of information the presenter had already labeled as important to me, as if I was just like everyone else. Even if I am like everyone else, I don't want to be treated that way.

Conversations are meant to be two way streets. When having a conversation make sure to include the other person by asking their thoughts as the conversation progresses. When you ask a question, remain silent and give the person the opportunity to think and respond. Don't interrupt as challenging as it may be to hold your tongue. Your goal is to team up, not throw up.