I was a hairstylist for 24 years and as I said on 60 Minutes – and if you’re on 60 Minutes you’ll tell everybody – “I used to work on the outside of peoples’ heads, now I work on the inside, so there’s only half an inch difference.”
When I was just starting out, I was naturally curious and I did something naturally that over the years I’ve turned into an art form. I was a 15-year-old shampoo girl working in this posh salon in England and we had all these rich, glamorous women as customers, and I used to ask questions. As soon as I got to know them, I’d say, “What were you doing when you were my age?” “How did you make your money?” “Did you make it yourself or did you marry it?” “If you made it yourself, how did you do it?” “If you married it, where did you meet him?” Good market research.
My brother Robert is always saying, “Sister, you ask people such personal questions.” Yet in 24 years behind a hairstyling chair and 25 years of going to conferences… (My careers did overlap a little in case you think I’m 100) …of asking questions, nobody has ever said, “That’s none of your damn business.”
People love talking about themselves. The key to connection is conversation. The secret of conversation is to ask questions. The quality of the information you receive depends on the quality of those questions. If we want to succeed, we have to get smarter everyday. Asking questions is the best way to get smarter.
By the way, though you might already know that my brother Robert Fripp is internationally-known for his brilliance with the guitar… you might not know that he is a superb and entertaining speaker. Together we provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience on communicating more effectively, “How to Be a Hero for More Than One Day.” Recordings of our presentations are also available as MP3s and CDs: https://fripp.com/store/robert-fripp/
Become a great presenter quickly, easily, and cost-effectively on your own schedule. I’m here for you 24/7 through Fripp Virtual Training.
“I wanted a super bowl-quality coach, and I was lucky to be introduced to Patricia Fripp. Her help in coaching and scripting was world class. With Patricia Fripp on your team, you can go places.”
– Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated magazine, Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, New York Times Best-Selling Author
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Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp works with individuals and companies who realize that powerful, persuasive presentation skills give them a competitive edge.
