Two Words That Change Any Conversation
May 08, 2026
Have you ever been in an uncomfortable situation and suddenly became nervous or anxious?
That’s what happened to me this week… but I discovered a hack that ANYONE can use to overcome challenging situations.
Here’s what happened.
I don’t know about you, but negotiating in business can be a bit nerve wracking.
You have a price. They have a price. And you want the relationship to be intact afterwards…
I was talking with a potential client about an important project that had some big numbers attached.
I’ve helped similar organizations before, and was confident I could deliver, but no matter how many times I’ve been through it… negotiating still is a challenge.
In the middle of the conversation when tension was building, I had an unexpected thought:
“Get curious.”
And so I paused, reflected on their last comment, and said, “That’s really interesting you say that. Does that mean your team has experienced XYZ problem?”
The person was taken aback by the sudden change of direction.
“Uh… Yes…” they answered.
“Wow,” I continued, “What did that feel like when you were going through it? I bet it was really frustrating…”
It was as if a weight fell of their shoulders.
“Oh it was…” They replied, and they went on to share more important information about their needs.
As the conversation continued, they opened up more and more.
And as I focused on asking questions and being more and more curious… an unexpected thing happened.
I became less anxious.
My fear? It disappeared.
My confidence? Grew stronger and stronger.
More importantly, the number in my head increased, and instead of doubting myself, I shared a proposal that reflected my true value.
And gratefully the company accepted it without hesitation.
After the call, I sat back and reflected on what had just happened.
I entered into the conversation feeling nervous and anxious. I doubted myself, and the value I offered.
But all of that changed when I focused on being curious and asking more questions.
Then it hit me.
“Curiosity is the antidote to fear.”
I find that when I get curious, and start asking questions, it gives my brain time to regroup and regain control of the situation. And pretty soon, I don’t feel as anxious as I was before.
If I’m feeling overwhelmed.
If I’m feeling “less than”.
If I’m questioning my value in a critical moment…
What if… instead of listening to my fears and anxieties… I paused and got curious?
Curious about the person in front of me…
Curious about the situation…
Curious about what they are feeling?
(Photo: Being curious opens up a whole new perspective on the world)
Which brings us to you:
So what is something that regularly happens to you that is frustrating?
Is there a conversation looming that you are worried about?
What if, instead of letting your anxieties take control, you took a moment to get curious?
Because here’s the thing about anxiety. It wants you to act small.
But curiosity does the opposite. Curiosity makes the conversation (and your confidence) grow.
So the next time you feel that flutter of fear creep in, don’t try to be braver. Don’t try to be smarter.
Don’t even try to be more prepared.
Just get curious.
Because curiosity is the antidote. And the best part?
The prescription is free.
Christian
CHRISTIAN HANSEN has gone behind the scenes in some of the biggest organizations in the world to find out the reasons why some people get chosen and why others don’t. As the #1 bestselling and LinkedIn Top Ten ranked author of “The Influence Mindset: The Art & Science of Getting People to Choose You” Christian helps teams and organizations who want to stand out and be the obvious choice. With degrees from Brigham Young University and The London School of Economics, he’s helped thousands of individuals position and sell themselves. A fan of international communication, history, and choral music, he currently lives in Utah with his family. Reach him at: TheChristianHansen.com
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