Good ol’ Joe Meeting for coffee is a practice steeped in tradition. For decades, major decisions and big deals have been made over a simple cup of java. Today, the tradition has evolved as coffee houses provide an intimate, cozy and familiar locale for a discussion. Business meetings, job interviews, and blind dates are all common events in cafés across the continent.
But, these encounters can cause anxiety. You may be meeting someone for the first time, or have a lot riding on this one exchange. Do you worry about what you’ll talk about or how the conversation will progress?
Follow these tips and your coffee
talk will be good to the last drop!
Tip #1: Select
the right brew
Arrive early. Pick a table or lounge area that is private
and well-lit, preferably far away from garbage cans and restrooms. Take a few
minutes before your rendezvous to think about what you’re going to say. Forethought
can put your mind – and mouth - at ease. Make note of topics you want to cover,
things you want to know, and the outcome you’re hoping for. Pick the right blend of atmosphere and attentiveness.
Tip #2: Find
common ground(s)
The best conversations emerge when you have something in
common! What do you know about your acquaintance? What brought you together
today? Find something you can both relate to so it sparks a discussion. Extra tip: Keep a couple of general topics in your back-pocket in
case you can’t come up with anything specific to this individual, such as your
family, sports, hobbies, a humorous news story, or personal anecdote. Avoid
religion, politics and depressing topics.
Tip #3: Let
things percolate
To be a good conversationalist, take your time. A
discussion should be an exchange, a back-and-forth, a slow brew. Don’t rush
through your talk to get to the end. Remember to make eye contact and smile at
your companion. Even if you’re nervous, maintain your calm and be patient.
Tip #4: Don’t
drift off into la-la-latté land
Avoid distractions (babies crying, cell phones ringing,
the attractive person at the next table) and focus on your companion. Show
respect by paying attention to what they are saying and responding
accordingly. No one likes a perpetual
head-nodder. You are there to participate so grab a mug and get in the game.
Tip #5: Keep
breath mints handy
End on a refreshing note. Re-cap your meeting, keep it
positive, and thank your guest for their time. If your meeting was successful,
it may extend into dinner, a stroll outside or further discussion. Make sure
you don’t offend with your coffee breath – keep strong mints in your pocket for
your post-java jaunt.
Meeting
for a caffeinated tête-à-tête may be the best way to break the ice and warm up
to a conversation. For you non-coffee-drinkers: Never refuse an invitation to
meet for coffee. Simply choose from the assortment of un-caffeinated beverages
such as herbal tea, fruit smoothies, or vitamin waters.
[Author’s note: My favourite
coffee-talk coffee to brew at home is Starbucks Sumatra dark roast.]
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