Having a challenging and tense conversation? Without good communication skills, you’re just having an argument with no resolution in sight. On the other hand, you can up your game on communicating like a rock star and have a meaningful conversation instead.
This short article presents habits for becoming a better communicator that can help in your personal and professional life.
Can you imagine how life would be if everyone understood each other better? Good communication skills are critical in our personal and professional life. It is a key to understanding others and being understood. For starters, we’d have LESS conflict and stress. And how do you do this, you might ask? Well, you’re about to learn three ways to becoming a better communicator. Keep in mind that this applies in every interaction you have. It applies whether you’re making a large custom order at Starbucks, working through a disagreement with your significant other, to closing a million dollar contract for your company.
• Be a good listener:
Let’s start with the 1st way. Be a good listener. By doing this, you’re truly hearing what the other person is saying. This gives you a chance to fully understand their point of view and properly come up with a response that is rational and works positively toward a solution.
• Be Empathetic and Understanding:
This brings us to number two. It’s showing empathy and understanding. Being empathetic helps diffuse tension and starts the path to a more focused conversation. Everyone, including yourself wants to be understood. Empathy shows that we're present, aware, and truly want to know the other individuals point of view. This build trust and rapport between the people communicating. When the other person feels like you understand and appreciate their perspective, they are more likely to be open to hearing your perspective and finding a solution that works for both of you.
• Speak clearly and concisely:
And now for number 3, when it’s your turn. You’ve heard the opposing argument and well equipped to respond with tact. In response, you keep things simple by speaking clearly and concisely. Keep your emotion in check to ensure you project a calm and empathetic tone in your voice. Staying calm also helps you avoid using fillers while speaking. Ensuring the response is simple will keep you from derailing from the point you’re making. In addition, others can better hear your perspective without losing their attention and patience.
So that's it. Three habits that can help jumpstart anyone's road to becoming a better communicator.