In our fast-paced changing world which is also full of technology, the art of communication can sometimes feel lost. However, effective communication remains a key piece of relationships, whether that be in your personal life, at work, or other places.
So what can you do?
1. Listen – Effective communication starts with listening. Active listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding what was said or written, acknowledging feelings, and responding appropriately. Here are some tips to practice active listening:
Maintain Eye Contact: This shows that you are engaged and interested.
Avoid Interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before responding. If you cut people off, you are not actively listening. Also, get rid of distractions. This may be your phone, computer screen, pets, music, or other noise that may take away from your ability to listen.
Clarify: Ask them or repeat (not exact words but how you heard it) what you’ve heard to ensure you understand. For example, Just to confirm, you want me to call the financial advisor for this Thursday at 7pm, correct?
2. Be Clear and Concise
Life is busy and we all know it. Being clear and concise not only helps us understand but can make it easier when our minds are thinking of the huge to do lists we may have. Say your thoughts in a clear way. Here are a couple tips for you:
Organize Your Thoughts: Before speaking, take a moment to think about your main points and how you may need to relay them to people. Children are different from adults, so you don’t necessarily talk the same way or present thoughts the same way either.
Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary for the audience or your family / friends are used to it.
Be Specific: Provide concrete examples to illustrate your points if necessary. And be open to hearing their examples if your opinions differ.
3. Nonverbal Communication is Important too.
Your body language, facial expressions, and even the tone of your voice play significant roles in how your message is received. What can you do?:
Be Aware of Your Body Language: Open posture and gestures can reinforce your message. Be aware though, not to role those eyes when people have different thoughts then you. We all are different…remember that even with family.
Match Your Tone to Your Message: Ensure your tone aligns with what you’re saying to avoid mixed signals. However, don’t yell or scream at others. This usually goes no where and is not good communication.
Pay Attention to Others’ Nonverbal Cues: This can give you insights into how they are feeling and responding. If it is not a great time (they seem stressed already, sad about something that has happened, etc.) be sure to recognize that.
4. Empathy
Understanding others’ perspectives can ensure your conversations go better. Empathy means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and recognizing their emotions. How do you do this?:
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage others to share their thoughts and feelings. Open ended are not questions that end in a Yes or a No answer. Think about starting these questions with: How? When? Why? Who?
Recognize Others Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions or how they react, even if you don’t agree with their viewpoint. Again, we are all different and all come from different backgrounds, even if you grew up on the same street.
Share Your Own Feelings: Relating your experiences can help build connection. Use experiences that they may have gone through as well, to better elevate the conversation in a positive way.
5. Embrace Technology Wisely
While technology can help with some communication, it can also cause issues. Use digital tools mindfully:
Choose the Right Tool: Decide if a text, email, or face-to-face conversation is best for your message. Written language (text or email) can be easily read differently. Face-to-face or even a call can be better as your expressions or even your tone (in a call) can help with better understanding.
Limit Misinterpretation: Be aware of tone in written communication. Most people see all CAPS as anger. If you are using text or emails, it sometimes can be helpful to use emojis or gifs, if appropriate, to convey emotions or come across they way you hope. If your text reads: Meet me at Mom’s at 5pm, this can seem demanding to some readers. Using a smile emoji in this case, can help with the message.
Stay Present: In face-to-face conversations, get rid of those distractions from devices to have a much better conversation or communicate how you want to.
Effective communication is a skill comes with practice every day by everyone. It is like a muscle that needs worked. By listening actively, being clear and concise, and practicing empathy, you can ensure your communications are better and stronger. Remember, communication is not just about exchanging words; it’s about building understanding and connection. Start today, and watch your relationships flourish!
Written by: Tara Lehman
Picture from GoDaddy stock images.
