If you’ve
blogged for more than a month, I bet you've noticed 3 important factors that
are helping you become a better conversationalist, and a more likable friend. But just in case...
1. The
more concise your post, the more comments you receive. Most bloggers visit dozens of blogs a day. They
don’t have time to read and comment on long posts.
As
you exercise self-control in writing tight, short posts, this discipline slips
over into your real life. You find yourself getting to the point you want to
make in fewer words, thus leaving room for others to chat, showing them the
respect they need.
2.
Asking
questions at the end of each post involves your reader, and makes them feel
important. You can talk about your vacation to Colorado for 1000 words, or give us a 200-word run-down and then ask, “Where have
you vacationed that you’d love to return to?”
If
you ask questions of your friends while you visit with them, they feel
important. They are important. But now they want to hang out with you
because you showed an interest in them.
3.
You
learn more by listening than talking. When you visit others’ blogs, you pick up
trends and tips that help you, whether it’s a new recipe for chicken chests or
a link to help you market your book.
So
it is with conversations. You already know everything you know. So, the more
you listen, the more you learn. And grow. And become a more interesting person.
Did
I leave anything out? How has blogging helped you become a better
conversationalist? Any vacations planned for this summer?
You are so right! I have learned to be more brief--and stick to the point when conversing--I used to talk and talk!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Terri!
DeleteI get told I ask a lot of questions! I could still learn to talk less though.
ReplyDeleteQuestions are great; I read where Mr. Rogers used to ask a lot of questions of his friends, so you are in good company, Lynn!
DeleteI love your tips on this subject. I'm a natural born listener. I do learn a lot by listening.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Thanks, Loree! I wish I was a natural listener!
DeleteI do like to make my post concise but I struggle with making sense:) My vacation plans depend on when my son comes to visit us while he is on leave
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own logic, huh, Kim?
DeleteGreat post! I know people are all about Facebook and Twitter these days, which is fine, but I still love blogs. You can learn so much more about people and really feel like you're building relationships.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why I love to blog, too, Cindy. I've learned so much and grown as a person and a writer.
DeleteI'm not a blogger, but I keep up with several. You always make me feel welcome when I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you, Barb! You are one of my best cheerleaders!
DeleteI've learned through blogging that putting information in list format makes for easier reading, especially on cellphones or tablets, thus bolstering conversation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, one thing I appreciate about the comments I receive on my posts is that people point out angles to my topics that I had not considered. It's always interesting to get different perspectives on a subject, listen, and grow.
Great points. Smoooches!
You're right, Janette. The easier we can make it to read, the more people will enter in. Thanks!
DeleteGreat points, Jen! Love the correlation with conversations, too. You are one smart lady. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Karen. I think the same of you!
DeleteBlogging has made me more aware of the passage of time. I advance post and I have to have a calendar on my desk to record when a certain post will publish.
ReplyDeleteVacations are different lately. Tomorrow, we are going down to where Jim grew up and go fishing. Yesterday, I bought a fishing license for the first time in my life . Might be down there two days.
You will love fishing, Quiet--it's so relaxing!
DeleteAlways appreciate your advice to write tight! And I agree that it's important to ask a question to engage your readers. Vacations? None planned for the summer, as we were blessed to be able to go to South Africa and Hawaii earlier this year!
ReplyDeleteMaria: Oh, my goodness, those are contrasting vacations, but I'm so happy for you!
DeleteMy one exception to the short and sweet rule is author interviews. I do break up long interviews into multiple posts. They're easier to digest.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I never thought about how blogging would affect your conversation skills.
Very true.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice for all of us to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteI think when people write as blogging is totally one-sided, they struggle. I love bloggers that engage with readers.
Nice meeting you!