3 Tips To Boost Your Good Communication Skills
We practise communication at every age and stage in life. From the bond formed between a parent and newborn baby, first friendships in kindergarten, navigating work environments, and interactions with our family and friends, good communication skills can help us throughout life.
Good communication can be tricky to identify, because it might not be noticed unless it’s not happening. If you had to make a list, what would you say makes somebody ‘good’ at communication? Here are a few things you might include:
Asking thoughtful questions
…is a great way to show that you are listening well and making sure you are understanding fully. Questions help to clarify information and make sense of what is being said. This can minimise the chances of misunderstanding and confusion.
Asking questions can shift your focus from talking to listening, which helps everyone to feel involved and valued in the conversation.
Using positive non-verbals
…or body language, is an important part of good communication. We often don’t notice how much we are ‘saying’ non-verbally. For example, crossing your arms can give off a hostile or disagreeable sense to others. In contrast, offering a smile or a nod expresses your interest in the conversation.
Consider your stance and your expression next time you’re talking to someone.
Maintaining emotional awareness
…and being able to identify our feelings can empower us to communicate more intentionally. Likewise, being able to tune into what other people are feeling (which doesn’t always match what they might say out loud) can improve our ability to interpret situations.
If you can understand what emotions are driving someone’s choice of words, tone, and mannerisms, you make it much easier to choose or change your style of communication to achieve mutual understanding.
These three skills are a few ways you can develop good communication habits. Like most habits, the more you practise them, the more confident you will become.
Focusing on just one of these at a time can make a positive difference to the conversations and interactions you have every day.
Pick one and try it the next time you’re chatting to a friend, family member or workmate.
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