In this hussle and bussle we sometimes forget to effectively communicate with each other. Effective communication can get you very far in our everyday life. Such as, family, co-workers, friends, your spouse, kids and maybe even your dog. (ha)
These last couple of years since we have been so connected to technology I’m seeing some adolescents having a difficult time communicating because they just text each other. We see it in restaurants sometimes at schools where adolescents and young teens are on their phones at the table and not talking. Can this lead to a new epidemic? Effective communication epidemic? This could lead to people having less connections and heartfelt talks. Commuciation helps us get far in life and our relationships.
If you are having difficulties in this situation lets work together and practice communication skills. In the meantime, here are some tips:
1. Communication is NOT just you talking the whole time. It’s about 2 people or everyone involved listening and then talking when it’s the right time.
2. Listening is the key to communication. Sometimes when the other person is talking we starting thinking about our answers right when they are talking. That’s not effective communication. Effectively listening and really paying attention is the essence of communication.
3. Be Respectful: Make eye contact, really pay attention, be courteous.
4. Long stories and being a talking Vamp doesn’t work either. Who really has time for you to keep talking because you have to remember the other person is important too.
5. Remember communication is give and take. When your talking take a breathe and give the other person time to gather their thoughts and answer.
What will all of this do for you? It will help you build relationships, have a beautiful marriage, makes us human, help you find a job, excel in your career. Gather information, learn about other people and get where you need in life.
Listening Skills
Communication and Listening go hand in hand. To be successful in life we must have a fine balance between the two. Effective listening will help us be successful in relationships, workshops, trainings, work and various other aspects of life.
We listen to obtain information about people, information about things, we listen to learn, and enjoyment.
Tips to show that you are listening:
Genuinely pay attention – people want to know they are important
Pay attention the speakers body language
Let them finish sentences
Nod your head
Smile
Make sure your nice and inviting and the person
Use your body language by smiling and showing your posture is inviting
The better listener people will want to talk to you and you will develop relationships.