3. Is your listener results- or relationship-oriented? Spending any time at all with small talk may drive a results-oriented listener to distraction. Conversely, offering no small talk can push away a relationship-oriented person. Lead with their interest and then you can present your point, or your point-of-view.

4. How is your timing for conversation you wish to have? If it could be in any way confrontative, be careful. Taking just five minutes to assess a situation prior to bringing up an issue can be very informative. Listen. Pick up 'climate' around your proposed listener. As with philosophy of 'pick your battles', so, it is wise to pick your times to increase probability of being heard.

5. Are you clear about what you wish to say? Wading into a conversation without clarity can find you drowning in misunderstanding quickly. Think about outcome you wish to create before you open your mouth. This will help you temper and tailor your approach to reach your desired goal.

A quick way to measure appropriateness of your communication is to ask yourself, "Am I willing to be spoken to in way I am about to speak?" If answer is 'Yes', proceed with assurance. If answer is 'No', be very thankful you took that minute to think.

Communication can be tricky, but most tricks can be mastered.

© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD All rights reserved worldwide. ============================= Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, speaks, coaches & conducts seminars for entrepreneurs & professionals who want motivation, strategies and inspiration to achieve, to lead and to live richly. Hear her weekly on http://www.WSRadio.com Dr. Shaler is creator of Living Richly™ Programs. For further articles, free ezines, upcoming teleseminars and booking information, visit http://www.OptimizeLifeNow.com today! For permission to reprint this article, please contact mailto:Jane@OptimizeLifeNow.com

They can eat with a great deal of gusto and enthusiasm, but stop when they have had enough.

They are loyal.

They never pretend to be something that they are not. ( gurrrus...maybe ?)

If they want something and it lies buried, they simply dig until they find it.

When someone is having a bad day, they can be silent, sit close by and nuzzle gently.

Well, wouldn't life online and off be simpler and better for all if we adopted many of qualities that we find in our dogs ?

Hoping that you have a GRRREAT day !

Best of luck in your online efforts .

Larry Johnson, Author

(C) 2002, All Rights Reserved.

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