Tonality When Selling

Tonality is very important, and it can’t be faked consistently enough through an entire live sales interaction, without being based upon personal principles and a well thought out mindset.  There are quite a few instances when we tend to up-speak, for example, which in a sales interaction can sow seeds of uncertainty and doubt, often without the salesperson realizing it.  A great example of tonality in speaking can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LpGIRhSZ3Jw

One of the fastest ways to become aware of a tone that isn’t working for you, is to record yourself ONLY and then play it back and listen with your eyes closed.  Many people find their own voice playback to be uncomfortable, but if you can hang in there, you’ll immediately pick up and become very aware of the tonality changes that actually create negative reactions, conscious and intuitive, and you will also be able to intuitively fix them.

It’s not always about what you say, it’s about who you are being while saying it.  We often focus on what to say (next) and completely ignore how we say it.

For example, any excess or inauthentic enthusiasm, although espoused by many a sales guru, if it doesn’t reflect your natural conviction, will come off as fake or manipulative.  Listening to your side of a phone conversation will show that instantly.  Sales is a leadership process.  People are reluctant to follow leaders who sound fake.

A Word That Says It All

There is a single word we say to a prospect that demonstrates one of the most important ways of how we are being. It’s a very simple word that says so much.

Can you guess it?

When we respond to something the prospect says, it’s usually the first word we say.

It signals acceptance. It’s an early indicator that we are not going to try to change someone’s mind.

If you are an experienced practitioner of HPS, and can’t think of this word, it may be because you use it automatically, without being conscious of it.

If you can’t figure out what the word is, don’t worry. It’s ok.

And that is the answer. That’s the word. It’s ok.