The FORD Method: What it is and how it works.
The FORD method is an approach to conversation, not the car.
What is The FORD Method?
FORD is an acronym for Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams. In The FORD method approach, you will ask questions related to these topics. This method is the best approach when seeking to keep the conversation flowing. The topics in the FORD Method make people feel comfortable with you, help you learn more about them, and open doors to deeper communication. The FORD method works in every situation, from blind dates to business meetings.
Let’s look closer at the topics within the FORD Method and how you can use them to progress your conversations.
F – Family:
Asking about family is a great way to learn about another person. This area of focus does not require any special skills or creativity. Ask, ‘How is your family?’ or inquire if the listener has children. If you know the person has kids, ask about them or ask how they are doing. Inquiring about family makes the conversation more personal and opens the door to a deeper connection.
O – Occupation:
In The FORD Method, O stands for occupation. This aspect involves inquiring about someone’s job and taking an interest in what they do for a living.
Asking questions like, “What do you do for work?” or “How did you get into your field?” shows the other person that you are interested in what they do and you want to hear about it. Additionally, talking about someone’s occupation also allows them to brag about their accomplishments, which always makes them feel good. If you are already aware of what the person does for work, you can inquire about the details of their job. Try asking what they like or dislike most about their job, what they do in their current position, or why they chose that specific career. When you inquire about someone’s employment, you are showing that you are interested in them. Much of our lives are spent at work. Thus, a person’s job makes up much of who they are.
R – Recreation:
How people spend their free time can be extremely interesting. Through inquiry about what someone does for enjoyment outside their workplace, you can discover a lot about who they are as a person. Try inquiring about hobbies and interests to see what you discover. For example, you could ask, ‘How do you spend your weekends?’ or ‘What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?’ If you already have some insight into the person’s interests, you can ask them related questions such as, ‘are you still doing martial arts?’ or ‘do you still hike?’
When asking questions about recreation, you can shed light on their personality and open doors for a better bond.
D – Dreams:
The final aspect of the FORD method involves asking questions about a person’s goals and dreams. This area allows for a great deal of creativity in your questioning. You may choose to ask about either short- or long-term goals, past or present dreams, or the bigger picture or ideal image. For example, some great dream-related questions include, ‘What is your 5-year plan?’ or you can try asking, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
The final aspect of the FORD method is the most powerful of them all. By listening to and reflecting on what the other person has said to you, you can spark a change within them and cause them to reflect on their plans.
Conversations about people’s dreams are not as light as some of the other topics listed here. However, talking about their goals and objectives is a fantastic way to form a deeper connection and show that you are genuinely interested in who they are and where they are headed.
Start Using The Ford Method Today:
Each of the topics outlined in the FORD method are fantastic conversation tools. Try creating some go-to questions for each category to use the next time you need help getting the conversation going. We will look into this method more in-depth in future posts, however, for the time being you can easily incorporate this into your everyday conversations.
The FORD method is perfect for breaking the ice and getting to know others; use it in any situation and watch as people warm up to you faster and form deeper, stronger bonds over time.
While it may seem simple, The FORD Method is essential if you hope to succeed in conversations.
Give it a try; you’ve got nothing to lose.
Until Next Time,
Get out and be social, but be careful.
About The Author
Katherine D
Here at inspiredeverymoment.com we believe that inspiration is the best motivation for success. Our aim is to educate, motivate, and inspire others to live the best life possible. Trained and educated to help others navigate the complex world we live in.