Parroting
How to Never Need to Wonder, “What Do I Say Next?”
We’ve all been there—those moments when even the most articulate conversationalists find themselves at a loss for words. It’s as if the well of dialogue has run dry, and you’re left grappling for something meaningful to say.
The other person, perhaps giving you nothing more than monosyllabic responses, isn’t providing much fodder for your conversational prowess. This is the conversational wall, and it’s a formidable challenge for even the most adept communicators.
But fret not, for in these moments of stagnation, a clever technique known as “Parroting” can swoop in to rescue the conversation. Imagine this method as the tropical bird it’s named after—a parrot, which captures hearts by effortlessly repeating the words of others.
The Conversational Rhythm
In the dance of conversation, there’s a rhythm—a back and forth. You speak, your partner responds, you speak again, and so it continues, like a game of verbal tennis.
During this exchange, non-verbal cues like nods and reassuring grunts signal that you’ve caught the conversational ball in your court. It’s your way of saying, “I got it.”
Now, picture this familiar scenario: you’re watching TV with a tennis match on in the background. The ball goes back and forth with a rhythmic “klink-klunk, klink-klunk.” But suddenly, you notice something amiss—the “klunk” is missing.
The ball hasn’t hit the court. Your immediate reaction is to look up at the screen. In conversation, just like in tennis, the back-and-forth is crucial for its flow.
The Power of Parroting
Here’s where Parroting comes into play. When your mind draws a blank, and it’s your turn to respond, there’s no need to panic. Instead of signaling verbally or non-verbally that you “got it,” you can employ the Parroting technique. It’s as simple as repeating the last two or three words your conversation partner uttered, using a sympathetic and inquisitive tone.
For example, let’s say your friend Phil mentions that he went to the theater the previous night. Normally, you might respond with a simple grunt and drift off into slumber, especially if you’re tired. But this time, armed with the Parroting technique, you decide to give it a shot.
“Theater?” you parrot, your voice filled with curiosity.
“Yes, it was a great show,” Phil responds, surprised by your newfound interest.
“Great show?” you parrot once more. And just like that, Phil begins to open up about the show, its music, and its bizarre storyline.
In this instance, Parroting acted as a conversation catalyst. It transformed a potentially dull exchange into an engaging discussion that lasted the entire journey. Phil ended up singing songs from the show, making it a memorable conversation. All you did was parrot a few of his phrases.
Parroting Your Way to Success
Salespeople pay attention—Parroting isn’t just a conversational lifesaver; it’s a key that can unlock your customers’ true objections. Sometimes, people have emotional objections that they haven’t even articulated to themselves. This technique can bring those objections to the surface.
Consider the story of Paul, a used-car salesman. He was showing a couple some sensible cars, but they seemed unenthused. When he asked about their thoughts, the husband hesitated, saying, “I’m not sure this car is right for me.” Instead of moving on, Paul employed Parroting. “Right for you?” he questioned.
This simple act prompted the husband to express that he needed something sportier, a little more aligned with his personality. Paul continued to parrot the husband’s words, ultimately guiding them toward a Lamborghini on the lot. The prospect’s eyes lit up, and Paul soon secured a substantial commission.
In summary, Parroting is a conversational gem. It can rekindle dying conversations, reveal hidden objections, and turn ordinary exchanges into extraordinary dialogues. So, the next time you’re stuck wondering, “What do I say next?” remember the power of the Parrot. It’s a tool that can transform your interactions and make you a more engaging communicator.