Having an effective conversation is one of the most essential components of the business world.  EVERYONE should know how to have an effective conversation – no matter what role you play.  Employees, managers, stakeholders, and executives alike should know how to get a point across effectively, while still being polite, approachable, and memorable.

Whether you are sitting around a conference room on a Tuesday morning, or at a high-power networking event, here are 5 important points to remember about holding a memorable conversation:

5 Do's:

1.  Listen more than you talk – Ever heard of conversational narcissism?  It's not pretty and most people don't want to hear it.

2.  Come to a conversation with topics ready to go – if you're meeting some very important people – come prepared.

3.  Tailor the conversation to the listener – Even if your end point revolves around your business or your point – listeners will be more receptive if they are involved.

4.  Take your turn – if there's anything uglier than conversational narcissism, it's an interrupter.

5.  Think before you speak – don't be offensive.  If you have something negative to say, make sure it is phrased in a manner that will be well-received.  After all, you want to be remembered as the “person who made the point” not “the jerk with too many opinions.”

Most of all, remember to be natural – that's the best way to make a true impression.