The Most InterestED Man…
You may have seen the advertising campaign for Dos Equis beer where a distinguished gentleman sits among a group of people as they hear his insights on certain subjects while the narrator makes outrageous statements such as, “he can speak French, in Russian” or “alien abductors have asked him to probe THEM”. The campaign is entitled, “The Most Interesting Man in the World”.
These commercials are entertaining and funny but I have seldom seen this work out in the real world. It is not the most interesting person who owns the room; it is the person who is the most interested.
There is an article in my most recent issue of Success Magazine about producer Mark Burnett. The interviewer made the statement, “despite his hectic schedule, Burnett has a knack for making people feel as if they’re the most important ones in the universe. He never loses eye contact and is invested fully in the moment”.
I have heard these characteristics described of numerous influential people over the years. These skills are not limited to the person born with a charismatic, outgoing personality. Anyone, yes anyone can develop these skills.
It is human nature to want to talk about the exciting things going on in our own life and is acceptable in small doses. There should be a natural give and take to a conversation, however, if you want to be a person of influence keep the interest pointed in the other person’s direction.
“The royal road to a person’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” ~ Dale Carnegie
Have a great week!
Pierce
Bonus:
Dale Carnegie’s Six Ways to Make People Like You:
- Become genuinely interested in other people.
- Smile.
- Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
- Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
- Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
- Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.
