Don’t you just love scrambling to keep a conversation alive with someone you barely know?
Yeah—neither do most of us.
But you don’t have to stay stuck there.
The next time you’re in that long‑awaited meeting with a new prospect, remember a simple pivot you can use once the small talk is out of the way:
three magic words — “What’s your story?”
Say them and watch the shift: shoulders relax, eyes brighten, and that awkward hush dissolves.
You’ve just handed the mic to the one topic every human loves— themselves: their history, passions, struggles, and wins.
As Dale Carnegie observed, “The greatest conversationalists are those who do the least of the talking.”
Asking “What’s your story?” is that wisdom in action. With one line you:
- keep the other person engaged
- warm the relationship
- spark curiosity about you and your cause
The best way to engage others is simple human nature: show genuine interest in them and in what they have to say.
So how does that play out at the table? You’ve exchanged names and the usual pleasantries. Now glide into a tailored invite:
-To a self‑made CEO: “I’ve heard bits of how you built the company—what’s your story?”
-To a philanthropist: “You support so many projects—what sparked that?”
They’ll do most of the talking, but you still have a job: listen well—nod, mirror, paraphrase.
If the conversation hits a lull, reignite it with:
- “What was the toughest part?”
- “Who helped you along the way?”
- “What’s next on your horizon?”
These prompts keep the spotlight on them. Stay fascinated—acknowledge, echo, and summarize—because genuine curiosity can’t be faked.
Listen closely, and you’ll notice:
- The conversation sticks—they remember you.
- Their values, passions, and challenges surface.
- You gather the exact language to frame your cause in ways that resonate.
- And you’re free from dragging the dialogue yourself.
Challenge for the week: At your next donor meeting, ask “What’s your story?” Then email me what you learned—I’d love to hear how it goes.
Have a great week,
AvrahamCopyright © 2025 Avraham Lewis & Co.