To succeed we can no longer just be communicators. We must learn to connect. We need to learn to come to the place a person is and then lead them to where we want them to go.
There is a vast difference between talking and connecting. Rather we need to develop raport, a connection, with people.

Nido Qubein has been named one of the top 10 communicators in the world. He reminds us that although we spend 78% of our time communicating, we are only 30% effective. Being a good communicator gives you a 'C' in the test ofsuccess, a mere pass, to get an 'A' you must learn to connect.

This requires knowing a persons passions, fears, needs, wishes and aspirations. Facts tell - but emotions sell. People must know you are interested in them if you are to be seen as interesting to them. Here is a list of questions he uses to get people talking:


"What do you think about...?"

"How do you feel about...?"

"What would you suggest...?"

"What would be your reaction to...?"

"What would happen if...?"

"What do you think is a better way to...?"

"What's your biggest concern about...?"

"How important is that to you...?"

"Why is it being done that way?"

"Could you give me an example of...?"

"What do you like most about...?"

"What do you like least about...?"

"Where do you find signs most effective for you?"


Check out a brilliant video from A Course In Mastery, where Nido Qubein explains the first steps in establishing rapport.