Will introduced the acronym WAIT—“Why Am I Talking?”—as a reminder to pause before dominating a conversation.

Negotiators Podcast

Welcome to Monday Night Live Host Derek Arden welcomed networking expert Will Kintish for an insightful and practical chat, The session was packed with actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking advice to improve communication and networking skills in both social and professional settings. Here’s a summary of the highlights: The Importance of Names and IntroductionsWill Kintish emphasized that many people struggle to remember names, so it’s crucial to help others by clearly introducing yourself. A simple approach like pausing after your name—e.g., “Hello, my name is… Will Kintish”—gives people a moment to register it. He also noted how people often mirror the way you introduce yourself, so setting the tone with a clear and confident introduction can make a big difference. Asking Better QuestionsWill shared a valuable lesson learned from the late Queen Mother. Instead of asking, “What do you do?”—a question that can sometimes feel limiting—she reframed it to encourage more meaningful responses. For instance, replacing it with, “Tell me about what keeps you busy” allows for a broader and more engaging conversation. Will also highlighted the importance of talking about what you do in a way that focuses on the value you bring, rather than just stating your job title. The Power of Active ListeningA major theme of the discussion was listening carefully and attentively. Will reminded the audience to observe not only what people say but also their body language, as it often reveals more than words. Drawing from Dale Carnegie’s principles, he underscored that letting others talk about themselves builds stronger connections. Will shared a personal anecdote about a dinner conversation where his genuine interest in someone else’s story led to a memorable and engaging discussion. WAIT: Why Am I Talking?Will introduced the acronym WAIT—“Why Am I Talking?”—as a reminder to pause before dominating a conversation. This self-awareness is key to fostering meaningful interactions. He stressed the importance of balancing conversations by flipping the focus back to others after sharing your thoughts briefly. Avoiding ArgumentsOne of Will’s golden rules is never to argue. Instead of engaging in disputes, he suggests offering alternative perspectives with kindness and respect. He mentioned how this approach, rooted in Dale Carnegie’s principles, fosters more productive and harmonious relationships. Respect and Admitting MistakesThe conversation also touched on the importance of respect and accountability. Will recounted a personal story about a challenging situation in his charity work where someone’s inability to admit mistakes strained their relationship. The lesson? Admitting and learning from mistakes goes a long way in maintaining trust and respect. Relearning the BasicsWill and Derek concluded that often, we don’t need to learn new skills but rather relearn and practice fundamental principles. Whether it’s showing genuine interest in others, asking thoughtful questions, or being a better listener, these timeless strategies remain relevant today. Key Takeaways:Names Matter: Help others remember your name by introducing yourself clearly and confidently.Ask Open-Ended Questions: Replace “What do you do?” with more engaging alternatives.Listen Actively: Pay attention to both words and body language, and let others share their stories.WAIT: Ask yourself “Why Am I Talking?” to ensure a balanced conversation.Avoid Arguments: Offer perspectives with respect and without conflict.Admit Mistakes: Accountability strengthens relationships and trust. Derek closed the session by thanking Will for sharing his wealth of experience and reminding viewers that sometimes hearing these lessons multiple times is essential to fully absorb them. For anyone looking to deepen their networking skills or connect with Will Kintish, you can reach him at https://willkintish.com.