I enjoyed Geoirge Tallabas's post on eye contact.  Points well taken.

But with all the sincerity in the world and a heart absolutely devoid of deceit, there are traps out there for the agent making a sales pitch.

We all express ourselves differently and what we say is interpreted differently by various individuals.  It happens in a blog, as we often see in AR exchanges.  Misunderstanding can also happen in interactions with customers.  We say "to-may-to;" they say "to-mah-to."  And something splatters like a rotten tomato.

A favorite story, actually a joke, is on point and illustrates thusly:

Bobby is a little envious of how Chuck always seems to have the prettiest girls around him.  One day he is determined to get Chuck's secret.

Bobby, "Come on, how do you do it?"

Chuck, "I just talk to them.  It's all in how you talk to them."

Bobby, "I talk to them.  What are you saying different?"

Chuck, "Make them feel important, and beautiful.  I like to say, 'Sweetheart, when I look into your eyes, time stands still."

Chuck sees Bobby Saturday morning and he has a huge black eye.

Chuck, "Where did you get that shiner?"

Bobby, "You're to blame!"

Chuck, "Hold on now.  How am I to blame?"

Bobby, "Hey.  I did just what you said.  I was out with Shirley last night.  It was quiet.  I put my arm around her.  She looked at me.  And I said, 'Baby, you got a face that could stop a clock...'  and she smacked me!"

When you are talking to a client, prospect, or even your sweetie, do you make time stand still, or are you a clock-stopper?