🎙️New Episode: How to Ask Better Questions & Communicate with Confidence at Work with Andres Lares | Real English Conversations Podcast For Global Professionals

What if becoming a better communicator isn't about talking more? What if it's about asking better questions, listening more carefully, and creating an environment where people actually want to share? In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Andres Lares, CEO and Managing Partner of Shapiro Negotiations Institute, to explore the communication skills that can change the outcome of a negotiation, job interview, business meeting, presentation, or difficult workplace conversation. Andrés brings a unique perspective to this conversation because English is his second language. Originally from Venezuela, he understands many of the challenges international professionals face when communicating in English — while also having extensive experience in negotiation, influence, deal coaching, and working with organizations across industries and cultures. And one of the biggest lessons from this conversation? You don't necessarily become more influential by talking more. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is ask a great question — and genuinely listen to the answer. 🎯 In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🌎 Why pressure can backfire — and why making someone feel comfortable and in control can lead to better conversations and more information. 🔥 The "Grill vs. Barbecue" approach — Andrés explains why slowing down, building rapport, and developing genuine curiosity can produce better results than trying to get everything immediately. 🪓 Why sharpening the axe matters — how preparation before a conversation can make the actual conversation much more effective. 💬 How to ask better questions at work — including why broad, open-ended questions can encourage people to reveal more useful information. 👂 How to listen without judgment — and why acknowledging what someone says doesn't mean you have to agree with them. 🧠 How to stay composed under pressure — instead of immediately becoming defensive, ask questions such as "Tell me more about that" or "Why is that important to you?" 🎭 How to get beyond rehearsed answers — by asking questions differently and changing the environment or setting. 🕵️ What negotiators and investigators have in common — preparation, questioning, listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence. 💼 How these skills apply to job interviews, negotiations, meetings, and presentations. 🌎 Why these communication principles work across cultures — and which skills are valuable almost anywhere in the world. 💪 How preparation and confidence work together — and why confidence without preparation isn't enough. 👔 What makes a great leader — including trust, integrity, capacity, and the ability to make people believe in you. 🔥 The "Grill vs. Barbecue" Communication Lesson One of the most memorable concepts in this episode is Andrés' "grill vs. barbecue" analogy. When we're trying to get information, negotiate, interview someone, or have an important conversation, our instinct can be to turn up the heat. Ask the question. Get the answer. Move on. But Andrés explains why taking the "barbecue" approach can be much more effective. Instead of immediately turning up the pressure, you take the time to build rapport, develop genuine curiosity, and understand what the other person actually wants. The result? People often become more comfortable, more willing to share, and more open during the conversation. 💬 One of the Most Powerful Communication Techniques Andrés gives a remarkably simple strategy for moments when someone says something unexpected during a negotiation or important conversation: Ask another question instead of immediately defending yourself. Rather than