101: Chris Fenning | Mastering the First Minute of Any Conversation

What if I tell you that you can bring an impact to another person in the first 60 seconds of your conversation? What if there’s a way for you to hook the other person’s attention in just the first 15 seconds? Chris Fenning, a coach, trainer, speaker, and author of the award-winning book, “The First Minute,” joins us today to answer these questions.

Chris helps companies communicate technical subject matters more effectively with non-technical people. This is common in a business setting wherein people from different teams do not understand each other. To get everyone on the same page, what Chris suggests is to focus on the first 60 seconds of the conversation and layout these 3 components. The context is one. The intent is another. What do you think is the last one?

Learn these components and master the first minute of any conversation! 

In this Episode:

[00:01 - 04:43] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Chris Fenning
• How he jumped from IT to the communication space

[04:44 - 14:15] Bridging the Communication Gap 

• A communication gap exists between technical and non-technical people
• Chris tells us why
• The first thing to do to bridge this gap
• Don’t learn the technical, ask questions

[14:16 - 24:40] Starting a Conversation 

• The most impactful mistake you’ve probably made in a conversation 
• The trick to start a conversation successfully in the first 15 seconds 
• Context 
• Intent 
• Don’t miss the last one!
• How to create a solid summary 

[24:42 - 35:45] Asking Questions, Not Making Statements 

• Stop focusing on the problem and think about possible solutions
• How to do this mindset shift? 
• The conversation that left you with the most impact
• Stanford professor Dave Evans, co-author of “Designing Your Life” 
• What communication skill would you have wanted to learn sooner?
• Asking questions rather than making statements 
• The best communicators you know
• Aaron Sorkin

[35:46 - 37:56] Closing Segment

• What’s next for Chris? 
• Connect with Chris!
• Links below 
• Final words from me

Tweetable Quotes:

“Whatever group you belong to...make sure what you say is relatable to the other person.” - Chris Fenning

“Any conversation ever is a summary of a much bigger topic.” - Chris Fenning

Resources Mentioned: 

• FREE e-course to master body language and micro-expressions to boost your EQ by 10% and sales by 20%. Check it out here. 
• Chris’ book: The First Minute
• Book: Designing Your Life

Email chris@chrisfenning.com to connect with Chris or check out his website. You can also reach out to him on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Join The Communication Nation and learn from others in the community. Feel free to email me at