You're faced with a client discussing off-topic subjects. How do you redirect their focus effectively?
Clients can sometimes stray from the agenda. To gently redirect them:
- Acknowledge their point, then pivot back by tying it to the agenda.
- Use questions focused on the meeting's goals to guide the discussion.
- Set a time limit at the start for each topic to keep the meeting structured.
How do you handle off-topic discussions during meetings? Share your strategies.
You're faced with a client discussing off-topic subjects. How do you redirect their focus effectively?
Clients can sometimes stray from the agenda. To gently redirect them:
- Acknowledge their point, then pivot back by tying it to the agenda.
- Use questions focused on the meeting's goals to guide the discussion.
- Set a time limit at the start for each topic to keep the meeting structured.
How do you handle off-topic discussions during meetings? Share your strategies.
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This has bee a bit trick at times for me, but typically when we have gone 'off topic', something they are saying usually was triggered by something we were talking about that is on topic, for me, I start by asking Holy Spirit to help me understand the connection. I acknowledge what they are saying, Then I ask questions Holy Spirit guides me to ask.
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It's like a friendly game of badminton! 🏸 Gently redirect that shuttlecock (conversation) back to the court (main topic) with a phrase like, "That's an interesting point, and I'd love to hear more about it later. For now, let's make sure we're scoring points on [main topic].
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When a client veers off-topic, it’s important to redirect with empathy and purpose. Acknowledge what they’re sharing to validate their feelings: “That’s an interesting point; I can see why it’s on your mind.” Then gently bring the focus back to their goals: “Let’s explore how this connects to what we’re working on today.” If the tangent persists, clarify boundaries: “This sounds important. Would you like to explore it briefly now, or save it for another session? For today, let’s refocus on…” This approach maintains rapport while ensuring the session remains productive and aligned with their growth objectives.
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Ante una situación de esta índole, es importante recordar algunos tips que serán necesarios para mantener la situación bajo control: 1. Escucha activa y reconoce sus preocupaciones. 2. Establece un marco claro para la conversación. 3. Utiliza la técnica de "puente" para conectar el tema actual con el tema principal. 4. Mantén la calma y la paciencia. 5. Utiliza un lenguaje claro y conciso. 6. Establece límites claros para la conversación. 7. Utiliza la técnica de "resumen" para resumir lo que se ha discutido hasta el momento. Al utilizar estas estrategias, podrás redirigir el enfoque del cliente de manera efectiva.
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My Top 5 Tips: 1. Listen Actively: Acknowledge the client's concerns to build rapport. 2. Use Empathy: Validate their feelings while gently steering the conversation back. 3. Set Clear Objectives: Remind them of the meeting’s goals to refocus. 4. Leverage AI Tools: Use ChatGPT or Drift to summarize key points and guide the discussion. 5. Follow Up: Recap important points and outline next steps to maintain clarity. These strategies enhance client interactions and ensure productive discussions.
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Lorsqu’un client aborde un sujet hors sujet, il est impératif de ne pas le brusquer et ne pas être trop dans la négation. Il faut écouter ce qu’il a dire en lui demandant par exemple : - « C’est intéressant, qu’est ce qui vous a amené à penser à tel sujet ? » cette question ouverte peut également vous aider vous. Ou bien de lui faire comprendre que vous pouvez y revenir plus tard dans la discussion tout en restant neutre et objectif sur le sujet qu’il aborde, exemple : « Je comprends, que diriez-vous de nous intéresser à cette question juste après, j’aimerai vous montrer/parler de…, qu’en pensez-vous ? » cela l’amènerait à vouloir répondre à votre question/avis sur un sujet plus en rapport avec l’activité ou le lieu où il se trouve.
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Il est écrit dans la Bible qui est LA PAROLE DE DIEU ceci : « L’âme généreuse sera comblée; et celui qui donne à boire sera lui aussi désaltéré. » Proverbe 11:25 Et « Celui qui soigne un figuier en mangera le fruit. » Proverbe 27: 18 POUR DIRE QU’IL EST IMPORTANT DE VOUS INTÉRESSER AUSSI À L’HUMAIN. Un client qui sort du sujet, ce n’est pas courant. Le minimum est de l’écouter et lui montrer que vous le considérer en tant qu’individu. Ce seul acte peut l’attacher à la vie à la structure par la voie de la reconnaissance. Si les gens que vous voulez servir vous vomissent, vous ne leur vendrez jamais rien. Il faut garder ça en tête car il y a d’autres sur le marché, pas seulement vous. Très bonne journée à vous. 08-12-2024 08’48
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-Understand why this topic is important to them - it is likely to need it's own time in a different forum -Plan & park this topic for a future time so the client feels heard -If it is something important & urgent (eisenhower matrix) a "pause" mid meeting to re allocate the remaining time. -This may be valuable but in most cases so time spent off-line to give background is ideal rather than derailing the entire meeting -Bottom line - if it's important to the client it should be important to you
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Gently steer the conversation back on track by summarizing their point and linking it to the original discussion with a prompt like, “That’s important, but let’s refocus here.”
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When a client goes off-topic, I first consider if this is their learning style—processing through seemingly unrelated discussions. I ask open-ended questions to explore how they see the relevance, staying curious about their perspective. Sometimes, their shift may highlight a more pressing concern than the original topic. If these approaches don’t reveal a connection, I gently guide the conversation back by saying something like, “That’s an interesting point. Let’s tie it back to what we were focusing on earlier to ensure we make progress.”
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