By: Aysha Schurman
Effective communication skills may seem like a simple thing to master. However, if you don't realize that effective communication skills involve more than just what you say, you probably confuse people all the time. Try the following ten tips to help you sharpen your communication skills.
To the point
Be as direct as possible, within the limits of good manners. Beating around the bush confuses people and makes them lose interest in what you're saying. Be direct whenever possible and get to the point.
Manners count
Use your manners. Whatever type of communication you use, always remember your manners. Being polite is a much better way to put a person at ease than being rude. A person who feels open and at ease is much more likely to be receptive to what you have to say.
I statements
Use the word "I." When you use the word "I," you're letting people know that what you're saying is only according to your personal understanding, not a blanket fact. This can help keep people from feeling targeted and attacked. There's a difference between telling someone "You're ignoring me" and "I feel like you are ignoring me."
Positive thinking
Emphasize the positive. Regardless if you're conducting a budget meeting or trying to get a spouse to do the dishes, you need to keep the tone positive. This can help keep people willing to listen to what you have to say and prevent them from feeling defensive.
Understanding
You have to listen to understand. Actively listening to the conversation can do wonders for your overall ability to communicate. The same goes for written and non-verbal communication. Don't daydream or let your mind wander. Instead try to visualize what is being communicated about and actively engage your brain in the subject.
Spice up your words
Make your communications interesting. If you're communicating verbally, use different inflections and pauses to make the dialogue interesting. Use body language to help emphasize your words. If you're communicating through writing, always use proper punctuation to help dramatize certain points and create character in the text.
Visual cues
Use visual elements to help explain your communication. If you're speaking or writing, try using pictures, graphs and other visual aids. This helps engage people's senses and leads to greater depth of understanding.
Clarity
Avoid confusing and ambiguous language. Avoid using vocabulary that people won't know or general terms that will leave people confused. It's also best to avoid words that sound alike and may confuse listeners, such as where and wear.
You know what they say about assuming
Anticipate reactions, but never assume you know how someone will react. It's smart to plan ahead and be ready for all potential situations. However, you don't want to pigeon hole yourself into one scenario. Assumption will only limit your flexibility.
Patience
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to effective communication. If you rush things and become easily frustrated, your communication abilities suffer. If you are always ready to slow the pace as needed or go back over certain points, you will communicate much more efficiently.
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