(PowerInEmail.com) – When it comes to living a productive life, it’s important to relay your message across. This starts with effective communication skills. Lacking in this area can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even lost opportunities. To ensure you’re on top of your game, follow this guide to becoming an excellent communicator.
Be an Outstanding Listener
Relationships require you to not only give your very best, but also take in what the other person has to say. Being a good listener is one of the greatest ways to keep those lines of communication open.
When someone indulges in conversation, truly listen to them. Eye contact and response is great, but make sure you take the time to absorb and acknowledge what the other person is saying. Acknowledging what someone has to say makes them feel validated, like their voice is being heard — even if you just say “I hear you.”
Show Curiosity
Effective listening should begin with a spark of curiosity about the conversation or individual. Reacting with enthusiastic support and an authentic response lets the other person know you genuinely want to know more about what they’re saying. For extra effect, lean forward slightly and give a verbal cue: “oh, that’s so interesting,” or “I really want to know more about this” can do wonders. The simplest acknowledgement embodies curiosity and care.
Create a Safe Psychological Environment
Messages don’t always come across right when someone feels they can’t share their story with you. That’s why it’s important to create a safe psychological environment for the other person. To be a good conversational steward, don’t cast judgement. Allow them to feel comfortable and safe before they talk to you. For top-notch communication, be welcoming and let them know you’ve created a safe space in a non-judgement zone.
Respond Constructively
Some people may yell or talk loud when confronted. This can make the conversation flawed and hard to work through, causing you to miss vital pieces of info.
Break the gap of communication by responding constructively, rather than negatively. Become engaged in the conversation. Make eye contact, put down your phone and give your undivided attention to the other person. Respond constructively and let the other person have a greater amount of talk time than you.
For best results, try to follow the 80/20 rule for effective communication. This results in 80% constructive listening and 20% passive talking.
There are no big secrets when it comes to getting your point across to someone. Keep communication flowing by listening, remaining curious, never tuning out and avoiding judgmental pre-assessments. These rules can apply to almost any relationship and conversation.
Here’s to Your Success!
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