The Art Of Talking?

May 30, 2019

How attached are you to your phone? Honestly?

At the end of March, it was reported locally that Samuel Smith pubs had banned mobile phones in all their pubs. Apparently, a memo had gone around to all landlords expressing the wish for this to be enforced in all their premises. For a long time, the Samuel Smith pub chain has held more traditional views on how their clientele should behave. They have even gone so far as to crack down on foul language and streaming of sports events in their pubs too. We’ll not lie, there may have been a small whoop of joy in the office… Don’t get us wrong, we love our phones as much as the next person, but we do think that they’ve become a bit too much in some situations. How many of us think about what impression we’re giving when we’re sat looking at our phones? We’re guessing that most people will not give it a second thought.

So what do you do when you’re meeting someone for the first time?

OK, we understand you’re likely to be really nervous when you’re meeting someone new for the first time. There is an urge to reach for the comfort of your phone. We would be the same too, however, phones are sometimes just too tempting to leave alone! Of course, you may need to have it switched on, so you can keep in touch with the person you’re meeting. Once they arrive then really you should switch it off, or at the very least put it out of sight and don’t be tempted to grab it all the time. No matter how strong the urge is!

How would you feel if you were on the receiving end?

Think about how you would feel if you were sat across from someone and their phone was more important to them than you? We’re guessing you’d not be happy! This gives the impression of not caring about the feelings of the person you are with. Of course, there are times when a phone call may be expected and that just cannot be helped. It would be really good manners to let the person know who you’re with that this is the case. In most cases, they’ll understand!

It’s good to talk!

The art of social conversation is slowly being lost and this can be seen in the way that we are using technology in general. Of course, we keep up to date with technology, it is part of any business and sometimes an escape from the reality that we live in. But it has become so common to see groups of people having a ‘conversation’ with at least one person in the group being welded to a phone. Worse to see, are couples both sat there with neither of them talking! When we are then put into a situation where we have to talk, or make small talk (like at the first time of meeting someone) it can be really hard to think about what to say.

Think about the other person!

In most cases a good place to start. If you’re nervous and having the urge to reach for your phone, how about asking the other person an open question about themselves. It gives them a chance to do some talking whilst you take some time out to calm your nerves. Perhaps ask them about how they got to do the job they do now, or what is their favourite food and why? Of course, there are topics which we’d suggest you give a wide berth. Usually, that would be religion, politics and perhaps football in this great footballing city! Think about some questions you could have prepared that would be great ones to ask someone your meeting for the first time. Just don’t have them on your phone! If you’re looking for that special someone to talk too, then why not get in touch to see how we can help?

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