“Lee Seo-jeong: ‘Winning Conversations’”

Ultimately, one cannot live alone in this world. It’s a place where people live together, interacting with one another. Therefore, learning how to communicate and live with others is an essential element in leading a successful life.

“Words” are considered the most important means of communication. Of course, besides verbal communication like speaking, nonverbal communication methods such as gestures and facial expressions are also important. However, if one does not communicate properly with words, nonverbal communication becomes meaningless.

“Winning Conversations,” authored by Lee Seo-jeong, delves into these communication methods. To narrow it down further, it’s a book that contains techniques for mastering the art of “speech.”

Narrowing the focus even more, it pertains to “conversation skills.” Ultimately, this book can be seen as a self-improvement guide for conversation skills.

The content introduced in the book mostly consists of familiar concepts. However, as with most self-improvement books, the key is to organize familiar concepts well to avoid forgetting them.

When encountering the content, there’s a difference between knowing something and already being aware of it, as knowing it beforehand enables one to apply it effectively in real life situations.

“A Book Organized by Conversation Skills Chapter by Chapter”

This book explains each topic in chapters, making it easy to read a little at a time whenever there’s spare time. The subtitles introduced in the book can already be helpful when examined alone.

Chapter 1: A Single Word Can Change Everything
- Listening with ears, the power of praise
- Saving compliments and encouragement is detrimental
- Even gold melts with many mouths
- Personality is evident in words
- Words out of place are worse than silence
- Face challenges with tactful responses
- Words create other words
- Listen to gossip with both ears closed
- Words become your master once spoken
- One word can cause as much damage as ten thousand cannonballs
  - The charm and flavor of conversation: Modern dignity is shown in eloquence
Chapter 2: Excellent Words Are Excellent Weapons
- Avoid creating broken conversations
- Utilize trendy expressions for mood shifts
- Make the listener happy with amusing words
- Create ingredients for lively conversations
- Exaggeration diminishes dignity
- Listen without a frown, with enjoyment and excitement
- Conversations starting with humor bring joy
- Smile and refuse rather than getting angry
- Use prepared humor like a math formula for first encounters
- First impressions favor smiling faces
- The charm and flavor of conversation: Words are a double-edged sword
Chapter 3: Think Today, Speak Tomorrow
- The stream of conversation starts with a soft first word
- The power of truthful words is great
- There’s etiquette for conversations to gain people
- You can get closer using words that stimulate the other’s favor
- Positive speech is the essence of conversation
- Warm greetings breathe in and out of conversations
- Don’t leave first impressions to the other’s prejudice
- The secret to unlocking the other’s words
- People have one mouth but two ears
- Show agreement with the other’s opinion
- The charm and flavor of conversation: A word can rule the world
Chapter 4: If You Talk Too Much, You’ll Have Little to Say
- The magic achieved through gestures or words
- Likable words, unlikable words
- Don’t provoke misunderstandings by opposing opposition
- The more information, the richer the conversation
- Be the protagonist of conversation through voice
- Shout your strengths, whisper your weaknesses
- Important conversations happen later
- It’s easy to fail when wasting words
- If there’s something to refute, bring it up first
- Don’t intimidate with difficult conversations
- The charm and flavor of conversation: Conversation quality elevates life quality
Chapter 5: The Road is Where You Go, and Words are What You Say
- If you call their name first
- Soften when making eye contact
- Give your ears a rest to listen to others’ words
- If you want to convince, let the other speak first
- It’s likely to be discovered, pretend to listen
- A word of care moves people’s hearts
- Encourage the other to take action
- Criticism unconditionally creates enemies
- There’s rhetoric that makes others smile even in rebuke
- Convincing is the first condition for persuasion
- The charm and flavor of conversation: Words always have a purpose
Chapter 6: Pleasant Conversation, Pleasant Words
- Questions are essential tools for communication
- Seek a turnaround with witty words in a stiff atmosphere
- Change the mood with delightful chatter
- Captivate the other’s heart with appealing questions
- Treasure valuable words and opinions
- Even elders listen like three-year-old children
- If you want forgiveness, start with a genuine apology
- Stay calm when facing opposing opinions
- If you can share secrets, you can share anything
- Negotiation prioritizes eloquence
- The charm and flavor of conversation: Characteristics of people who speak well
Chapter 7: Once Spoken, Words Fly Everywhere
- To leave a good conversation partner to the other
- Show an attitude of “I understand you!”
- Present your symbol, your trademark
- Smile when parting after an argument
- Be confident in speech and don’t hesitate in action
- Conversation requires the skill of organization
- Lead to a “Yes”
- Start from a problem where both share the same thought
- The charm and flavor of conversation: Good sayings or aphorisms about words

“Points to Consider for Healthy Communication”

Comparing education in South Korea to that of other countries, there’s almost no education on conversation or debate. This isn’t just a problem unique to South Korea; it’s a common issue in South Korea, China, Japan, and the three countries of East Asia.

However, communication is abundant in living life, and possessing “communication skills” is important. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the conversation techniques introduced in the book and reflect on whether one is practicing them well in real life.

“Winning Conversations”