People who are good at conversations will always get the best outcome possible from person-to-person interactions.

I found a video where ex-CIA agent Andrew Bustamante discusses the Conversation Map framework, a method he was trained to use in field operations to discover information for his missions.

Conversation Maps

A conversation map is a flowchart for a conversation, like a choose-your-own-adventure story. You predict the possible answers from the other person and plan your next question accordingly.

Benefits of using a conversation map:

• Be prepared for different responses and keep the conversation going smoothly.

• Allows you to ask follow-up questions based on the person's answer, making the conversation more natural.

• Gather more information about the other person through their responses and body language.

Steps to create a conversation map:

1. Identify the environment and the type of people you will be talking to.

2. Predict the most likely responses to your first question.

3. Plan out your next question for each possible response.

4. Continue mapping out questions for subsequent responses, creating a branching conversation tree.

Example of using a conversation map at a networking event:

• First question: Introduce yourself, for example, "Hi, I am Andy".

• Possible responses:

  • The other person introduces themself (positive response).

    • Next question: Ask about their job or what they like about the event to show interest.

  • The other person says they are nobody or unimportant (negative response).

    • Next question: Acknowledge their response and ask a question to get the conversation going, for example, "That's interesting, how did you end up at this event?"

  • The other person gives a sarcastic response (unexpected response).

    • Be prepared with a light-hearted response to move the conversation forward.

Conclusion

Overall, a conversation map is a valuable tool, it can help you have more successful conversations. By planning out your questions and follow-up questions, you can be more prepared and get more out of your interactions.

Conversation maps can be especially useful in situations where you want to learn more about the other person, such as networking events.