How to communicate more effectively

You may think that the message you’re trying to get across to your friends and family through verbal words are understood perfectly, but this is almost always not the case.

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A lot of the things we try to communicate get lost in translation from the time the idea crosses your thoughts to the time they are actually acted out.

To diminish these difficulties, it is important to learn how to communicate more clearly and effectively, which can later help you build trust and respect with others, too.

Know that being an effective communicator takes time and practice to learn and to be best at.

Effective communication does not only involve exchanging information, but it also incorporated the understanding the emotion and intentions that come along with the information. Some things that can create barriers to having effective communication include: 1. stress and over-the-top emotion (you’re more likely to mislead people and send confusing nonverbal signals) 2. lack of focus, 3. inconsistent body language, and 4. negative body language.

It is important to notice others’ emotions, so you can better understand them and get the most out of the conversation.

How to improve your communication skills:

1. Be a more engaged listener

• focus fully on the speaker
• favor your right ear (the left side of the brain is the processing center for speech comprehension and emotions and is connected to the right side of the body). Keep your posture straight, chin down, and tilt your right ear closer to the speaker.
• Try to avoid interruption or redirecting the conversation. Also, focus on the conversation and the actual words being said.
• Show interest in what is being said and provide feedback.
• Set aside judgement.

2. Pay attention to non-verbal signals.

How to improve your ability to read nonverbal communication:

• be aware of individual differences between people from different cultures, etc.
• Consider all the nonverbal signals you are receiving; don’t just pick them apart one by one

How to improve how you deliver nonverbal communication:

• Non verbal communication should reinforce what is being said so, use nonverbal signals that match up with your words.
• Use body language to convey positive feelings.

3. Keep your stress in check.

Too much stress can make you say something you will regret.

• Stay clam under pressure. Pause to collect your thoughts if you’re stressed. Make one point and provide examples to back up the information. Deliver your words clearly. Summarize at the end.
• If you’re really stressed, use these quick tips to improve your communication: look for humor in the situation; be willing to compromise. Agree to disagree.

4. Assert yourself.

• You are valuable and your opinions matter.
• Receive feedback positively.
• Learn to say “no”

For more information on nonverbal communication, please visit: Nonverbal communication.

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Source: Help Guide

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