To change the subject of a conversation, simply ask "Do you mind if I change the subject to _____?"Almost everyone will grant this polite request, and it will spare you from appearing abrupt or controlling by making an un-announced change.

By asking yourself one question while talking to another person, you can often get useful information that helps you shape a more effective message.That question is this:"If I were this person, how would I be feeling and thinking about the matter we are discussing?"This is an act of imagination, and through it you achieve empathy.

Loren Ekroth �2009, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication anda national expert on conversation for business and social life.

Contact atLoren@conversationmatters.com