It is helpful to try out with a colleague, friend, or buddy how a conversation changes when you alter the situation in different ways
- Table setting facing each other, perpendicular, or side by side;
- Walking side by side;
- Distance from your conversation partner larger/smaller;
- One person sitting or standing slightly higher;
- On a higher floor or in the basement;
- In person/video call;
- Bright clothing or muted;
- Soft fabrics on chairs or hard;
- Environment with noise or quiet;
- Trendy bar or sleek office.
In conversation situations (not with a buddy), it’s beneficial to experiment with the effect of directly diving into the content without building rapport versus taking the time to establish rapport first.