Chapter 508 Speaking is an Art

Let me first analyze Qiao Dong's strengths. He's been writing since he was a child. He's a talented writer. He's constantly writing and engaging in literary work, so he's in the zone.

Then tell them a relative rule: as long as a person focuses on a subject for five years, he can basically become an expert.

Finally, I suggest Qiao Dong focus on writing online novels. If your leaders don't value you, forge your own path. If asking others for help doesn't work, look within yourself.

After hearing this, Liang Xiaomei turned to look at her husband and asked, "Do you understand online novels?"

Dongzi said: "I usually read online novels."

"Why didn't you write it earlier?"

Dongzi said, "I just watched and didn't care how much money I could make. I only learned about this after Shanhong talked about it today."

"You don't care about money. Why doesn't Shanhong read novels? She knows all this."

I said, "Sister-in-law, stop bickering. If Qiao Dong spent all his time writing novels besides work, would you support it?"

"As long as he doesn't go fishing, doesn't watch TikTok, or doesn't watch short videos, and writes novels, even if he only earns enough to buy two packs of cigarettes a day, I'll support him."

"Brother Dongzi, my sister-in-law's attitude is very good. I think it's reasonable."

Dongzi smiled awkwardly: "Shanhong, I'll listen to you and give it a try."

I shook my head. "You have to be more resolute. If you give it a try and it doesn't work, and you give up after one or two attempts, how can you do that?"

Those who achieved great things in the past possessed not only extraordinary talent but also unwavering perseverance. You must be determined to fight to the bitter end, or my advice will be in vain."

Liang Xiaomei was very determined: "Yes, Brother Shanhong helped you and encouraged you so much, you have to be worthy of him."

Dongzi slammed his fist on the coffee table and said, "Well, I'll burn my boats."

Liang Xiaomei rolled her eyes at him coquettishly.

Some people always find fault and say that the word "white glance" is inappropriate. In fact, a white glance between relatives sometimes means love and hate.

If you flirt with a girl outside and she gives you a blank look without smiling, it means she likes you.

This glance was so white, and I saw it. I was overjoyed.

I felt that the time was ripe and I had to have a serious talk with Liang Xiaomei, so I winked at Dongzi, signaling him to go out.

Dongzi walked out of the tea room and closed the door. I took a sip of tea and said:

"Sister-in-law, let's talk behind closed doors. I might cause you some discomfort, but I know you're always broad-minded. If I say something wrong, you won't mind it. I want to talk about how husband and wife get along."

She said, "Brother, tell me."

"You have a good heart, that goes without saying, but even husband and wife can't be straightforward. Talking is an art."

She blushed and said, "I admit that I can be quite aggressive sometimes, but I really can't turn it into an art."

"Brother, I have some experience. The art of speaking is to make people happy. How can we make people happy? There is only one principle: speak from the perspective of respecting others."

She looked at me.

"I'll explain this using an analogy."

She nodded.

"For example, you're a waiter in a restaurant and the food is late. What do you say?"

"I'm sorry, sir, there are indeed too many guests today. Please forgive me."

"Will he forgive you?"

"Except for those with exceptionally high moral character, most people won't forgive."

"You're telling the truth. It would have been much more effective if you had said, 'Sir, thank you for your patience. We have so many customers today.'"

She asked, “Why do you say that?”

I explained, "Because you're praising him from the perspective of first affirming his civility, generosity, high quality, and good manners. He feels comfortable hearing that."

If you say sorry from your perspective, he will get angry and say, I don’t want you to apologize, I just want you to serve the food on time.

You immediately complimented him, affirmed his generosity, and thanked him for his tolerance, and he let it go."

Liang Xiaomei nodded seriously.

I then asked, "Let's say you're a sales director and your salesperson's performance is declining. What would you say to them?"

Liang Xiaomei thought for a moment and said, "Your sales performance has been declining recently. Have you reflected on this issue? What are the reasons? Tell me."

I shook my head: "If you talk like this, he will come up with a lot of reasons. You will feel uncomfortable. Because he is looking for objective reasons for himself.

If you stand in his perspective, you could say: Your performance has declined recently. Let's analyze the reasons together.

The salesperson will feel particularly warmed, knowing you're trying to help him. He won't dwell too much on objective factors, focusing instead on self-reflection. You'll find it comforting to listen, and he'll also speak his mind.

If you lead your team this way, the cohesion will grow stronger and stronger. When everyone is united, your employees will obey you.”

Liang Xiaomei said, "That does make sense. But Miss Dong is very strict. Isn't her approach wrong?"

I said, "Ms. Dong is only strict with the top management. Have you seen the videos of Ms. Dong treating the lower-level employees? She even chats with them in the elevator.

That's another issue, called hierarchical management. It doesn't apply to family and friends. Family is a family relationship."

"Oh." She nodded.

I took a sip of tea and said, "Similarly, when you're together as a couple, you should be careful when you talk to Qiao Dong. For example, if Qiao Dong fails once or twice in writing an online article, you should say, 'Let's analyze together why this novel was rejected by the editor.'"

In this way, even if he fails once or twice, he will feel comfortable hearing it.

If you say you can't sign, and you're looking for reasons, it's like you're throwing away a burden. He was originally doing it for the family, but once you say it, it becomes his own problem.

He works hard not only for himself, but also for the family."

After hearing this, Liang Xiaomei was silent for a long time.

Finally, he said, "Shanhong, sister-in-law really needs to change. Speaking is indeed an art. Sometimes, I think others are sweet-talking and think she is hypocritical.

While I hate others, I also hate myself for not being able to speak well. After listening to what you said, I finally understood that it’s not that others are sweet-talkers, but that they consider the other person’s feelings first.

I said, "Your understanding is correct. Family members need sweet words. That's why fathers generally prefer daughters. Daughters are sweeter than sons. Family members also need to use warm words."

Liang Xiaomei let out a long breath and said:

"Okay. I'll do as you say. From now on, I'll stand in his shoes and speak from his perspective. The examples you just gave me are also very comforting to me."

"Right? Family isn't a place to argue about right and wrong, it's a place to work together. Secondly, you need to have a sense of humor. My son, Xiaolin, often calls me Master Wan, and the atmosphere is very good.

Your Qiao Dong is also a master at writing. From now on, you can call him Master Qiao. Even though it's a joke, he'll feel comfortable hearing it. It proves that you believe in his literary talent."

Liang Xiaomei said, "Shanhong, please come to Wuxiang more often, and to my home more often. We are not only from the same hometown, but also related. Making good friends can change your destiny. Listening to you speak makes me feel good."

"Okay. Now call Qiao Dong to come in."

She dialed a number, and when the call went through, she said, "Master Qiao, where are you? Are you not wandering in the corridor?"

I laughed out loud.

After Qiao Dong came in, I stood up and said, "I still need to go back and chat with Master. I wish Master Qiao success in his writing and that he will become a great figure in the online literary world."

Qiao Dong smiled embarrassedly.

I said, "I'm not making this up. This is the research result of an expert from the Agricultural Science Institute. She believes you can become a master. There's scientific evidence for it."

Qiao Dong and Liang Xiaomei couldn't help laughing.

When we said goodbye at the door of the teahouse, I waved to them.

At this time, the moon is bright, the sky is starry, and the lights in Wuxiang are all on. I drive my car through the March spring breeze.

Walking in a season of hope.