Wasting Time
How do you stop someone from carrying on an irrelevant conversation?
I don't believe there is anything irrelevant in a conversation. I feel if someone wants to tell you more about themselves, let them do it. You can find out additional information about them this way and it shows that you have built rapport and trust with the prospective student. Anything a student talks about you can tie into their education and what it will do for them. I have had students talk in detail about high school failures, I listen and then respond that their educational success is different at the college level and why they can change by being motivated and by creating good study habits. A student may talk about sports success, I tell them that it is similar to attending college, practice, practice, practice to get good. And of course practice is the same as studying.
I think this is also something that hard for admissions representatives. I think that you have to have a little bit of a personal relationship with the potential student, just find something in common, but you have to be careful that you don't get caught up and carried away in the conversation. You as the professional should always be able to turn that conversation back to business quickly and professionally.
Tyler, That sounds like a great plan! What do you do to see if the conversation is relevant to the reason they are speaking with you?
Dr. Jean Norris
You must always determine rather there is a sincere reason for the person to be speaking to you or if it is just truly a waste of time. I do this by carrying out the general conversation to the point where I can work in another school related question. Once I get to the point I can tell their objective has nothing to do with business I move on to another person with a business need or carry the conversation to a hopeful end point where they will walk away feeling that I wanted to listen to their problems.
Sandra,
It sounds like you have some great solutions. Keeping in mind that body language is almost as loud as speaking, keeping it positive is key!
Dr. Jean Norris
This is something that I, too, struggle with. I have used different methods of "redirect" for different situations; but, I too am perfecting my skills. Methods I have tried include; 1) with a peer I often either stand (if sitting), or start to walk, if standing. This sends the message through body language that we must end the conversation. Most times it is effective; 2) with students, I often change the discussion and direct attention elsewhere. For instance, ask another student a question, or direct the entire class to focus on some other area/discussion point; and finally; 3) for supervisors (and this is a current challenge I have), I try not to make appointments, or start conversations, right before my classes. Then, I remind the "boss" at the beginning of the conversation that I have a hard stop time in order to make class. This oftentimes means that I have to cut the conversation off curtly before my boss is done; but, it is "justified" and therefore accepted by the boss. Otherwise, the conversation can go on indefinitely and can become difficult to end. Do you have other "tips" for me from your point of view?
You bring up an important part of any communication - taking the time to determine a common goal or your customers' needs and wants so that you can customize your conversation to meet their needs. As I mentioned in my earlier post, taking the time to ask good questions will help you to understand the other person and keep the conversation on track. Thank you for your post James.
Good question and difficult to answer as the answer will vary with each person you are speaking with. Some people will feel as though you are too rigid and disconnected if you just keep it to the business at hand. Some people just want to speak so if you add some of your experiences they will feel as though you are not listening to them and only trying to get them to buy your product. You need to determine the customer’s needs and then tailor the conversation to meet those needs to keep them from wasting your time.
It would be helpful to know with whom you would be carrying on the conversation and what makes it irrelevant? I would suggest considering using the power of your own questions. Generally speaking, the person asking the questions has the most control over the conversation. If you can ask a question to help direct the conversation into a meaningful direction, both you and the other person can potentially benefit.
