Business conversation: types, stages

Business conversation is a conversation, the purpose of which is to solve important issues, consider proposals for cooperation, sign purchase and sale deals, etc. Types of business conversations are very different. All of them can be divided into two large groups: free (pass without special preparation, for example, a meeting of colleagues at work) and regulated (carefully thought out, with due regard for the time frame). But depending on the purpose pursued by the business conversation, the following types are distinguished: the meeting of the head with the potential employee, the conversation of the manager with one of the employees with the purpose of resolving certain issues, the conversation of partners with the aim of establishing future cooperation, the conversation of colleagues about the solution of production issues.

For someone who is going to conduct such a conversation, you need to prepare well in order to get the maximum benefit out of it. Preparation is an important point, since it will largely depend on the course of the conversation, the reaction to the information of the interlocutor and, of course, the final outcome of the conversation.

In advance, you need to think about which issues are best raised during the conversation. If desired, they can even be written down on a piece of paper, so as not to forget. During the preparation you need to try to build the entire conversation from beginning to end, and for this you need to know what are the stages of a business conversation.

Any business conversation consists of 5 main stages:

1. Beginning of the conversation. At this stage, you need to establish a trust contact with your interlocutor, draw his attention, awaken the desire to listen to all the information until the end. This is the most difficult stage, since it will determine the location of the person to talk to. There are many different ways to start a business conversation. For example, you can try a method of stress relieving. In this case, the interlocutor suffices to say a few warm words or tell a joke that will soften the tense situation. Another way, this is the so-called "hook" method. Here you can very briefly outline a problem or situation that is inextricably linked with the conversation itself. This can be a small event, anecdotal case or a "cunning" issue. For a business conversation, the method of direct approach approaches, when the conversation begins without any deviations. The task of this method is to tell the interlocutor briefly about the reason for the meeting, and then quickly move on to the very topic of the conversation.

2. Transmission of information. At this stage, the transfer of planned information, as well as the identification of the objectives and motives of the interlocutor, verification and analysis of his position. The presentation of information should not be stretched for a long time, otherwise the interlocutor will become bored and decide to stop the conversation.

3. Argumentation. This is the way to substantiate the provisions put forward and convince the interlocutor of the importance of the decision. It is important to conduct the argument correctly in relation to the interlocutor, listen to his position and acknowledge his rightness, even if it does not lead to the consequences that were expected. Do not enter into a dispute with the other person, express yourself clearly and clearly, avoiding the use of complex formulations and terms.

4. Refute the arguments of the interlocutor. This is the stage of neutralizing the remarks of the interlocutor. Here you need to analyze the comments, discover the real prerequisites, choose tactics and method.

5. The decision (conclusion). At this stage, decide whether the goals are to be achieved in advance. It is important to sum up all those arguments that were recognized and approved by the interlocutor, neutralize negative moments, build bridges for the next conversation, consolidate what has been achieved.

Business conversation is a chance to achieve the set goal. Most importantly, do not turn it into a languid pastime, you need to do everything so that the interlocutor for a second does not doubt the importance of this conversation.