Meta-Conversations
March 6, 2010 by amil.tolia
Filed under Featured, View from the Top of the Tree
What grade of information do you need?
Reflecting on the last week, I realised that we always, though not consciously, make choices on what levels of information we require and importantly, what levels and quality of information we think others need from us.
Whilst speaking and communicating with potential investors, depending on the type (known), risk appetite (unknown but guessable), funding potential (unknown but figure out able) of the investor, we have to make a decision regarding what to say and how to say it. This is where listening to others is absolutely key, for its not the questions they ask, but the way in which the questions are posed which speaks volumes about their prevailing viewpoints.
Its all a learning process, but a key lesson is that one has to listen out for the ‘meta conversation’.
‘Meta conversation’ = The conversation about the conversation.
The ‘meta conversation’ makes itself known through signals and visual clues, rarely is it spoken, it appears through intonation, speed of elocution and volume. Someone you are talking to keeps your gaze for the whole time, speaks clearly and openly? They are engaged…they look around and try to glance at the clock above your head, while batting back incomplete answers to your questions? Time to get to the point or politely walk!
The meta conversation….bear it in mind, for its not what you say but how you say it that influences my belief in you and consequently changes my information requirements.
