So here I was in a distant city this day calling on a certain apartment community to sell maintenance supplies. My goal was always to make as many calls as I could in one day and add as many new customers as I could sign up. Once I arrived on complex I spotted a man who I assumed was maintenance supervisor hurrying down sidewalk. I called out to him and he stopped.

Now here is climax to this incident that day. I asked him if he was maintenance man and he agreed he was. I then introduced myself and proceeded to make my lenghty presentation pointing out all benefits of my services and products. When I finally finished prospect looked at me with a very stern look on his face and said, " I don't have authority to buy you'll have to talk to manager" I said, "Why didn't you tell me that before I began my presentation. He said," mister you talked so fast I couldn't get a word in at all.

Another sad part of this story was I was breaking in a new salesman. Not a very good lesson for someone just starting out with company. In addition to that, I finally went to manager to make my pitch to her without success. Even though I asked her questions before I started talking she wasn't a bit interested in changing vendors.

Since I'm a very positive thinking person, I didn't let that incident discourage me. In retrospect it probably was best thing to happen. I learned a valuable lesson and so did new salesman as well. After that I learned to first ask questions and then listen intensely to response I get. Consequently my closing rate became much more successful.

If you have lost contact with a family member, a good friend or have had difficulty making new friends because of poor communication skills I hope above story will help you solve your situation.

Sonny Julius is a 74 year old retired sales supervisor. His interest in the internet eventually led him to write an ebook geared to senior citizens. The ebook is a guide for living the senior lifestyle.

“How To Have The Time Of Your Life For The Rest Of Your Life” For more information go to: http://www.absolutelysenior.com

3. In order to move conversation forward, ask questions to clarify or invite additional information.

Questions indicate that you are fully attentive to what is being said and that you have a real interest in speaker's views.

Give your full attention to speaker. When you show others that you want to hear them, they will automatically grant you same courtesy.

Maintain eye contact and always face speaker. You will be able to express your own views much more effectively if you have full attention of your audience.

If you give your full attention, you will certainly receive same in return.

4. Engage in light, pleasant conversation as often as you engage in meaningful, direct conversation.

If you always guide conversation in direction of achieving your goal, you will leave impression of distance and a superior attitude.

You will get a much more favorable response if you relate to others on a personal level as well as in a professional or authoritative manner.

People want to feel appreciated and unique. Make a point to address each person you encounter and do so in a positive, friendly manner. Conversation skills include treating others as you would like to be treated.

Good conversation skills include much more than simply speaking with others. Listening, good body language, questioning, pleasantries, and mutual respect are important elements in any conversation and are also personality traits exhibited by successful people.

You can improve your image and your ability to communicate if you follow these simple guidelines when communicating with others.