Each human point of contact either opens or closes a door. Even when you’re rushed, you can still show that you care. For example, you might be on your way for a meeting at peak rush hour, and an old college buddy waves to you as you head towards the taxi stand. 

Instead of avoiding eye contact to avoid the usual niceties, here are three ways to connect without breaking rapport with the other person.

1. Take A Moment To Just.. Breath

We seem to be always rushing, and a single breath slows down the world a little bit, thereby increasing empathy, patienceand listening skills. Pause for a few seconds before you talk, and make kind clear eye contact. This delay might feel like an eternity, but you are gifting the other with genuine listening and attention.

2. Be Clear About Your Time

When a person says “I only have two minutes to spare,” it feels almost demeaning to the other party. Therefore, don’t use negative presuppositions like the word ‘only.’ Instead, say ” I have two minutes to spend with you right now.” Here, you’re enhancing shared attention between the two of you and showing that it is mutually exclusive. Then if necessary, you can add “lets catch up again, you tell me when you’re free” showing a hand-over of power back to the other person. Your commitment to make more time shows that you’re not just brushing him/her off. When you are clear about time and commit to a shared understanding, people feel valued and tend to be more effective than usual in making the best use of the limited minutes they have with you.

3. If Possible, Sit Down, Don't Stand

Neuroscientists have found that in situations where people feel rushed, the human brain is programmed to perceive 'standing conversation' as far less genuine than seated talk. In other words, one minute standing can feel like nothing; whereas one minute sitting can feel like ten.

_{This post was originally published on Innerhigh Living blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.} 

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