Knowing how to communicate effectively is essential in both private and professional life. Here are some useful tips for improving your communication skills.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Basics of Communication
Step 1. Understand what communication really is
It is the process of transferring signals / messages between a sender and a receiver through different means (written texts, gestures, speeches, etc.). Furthermore, it is the mechanism used by humans to establish and change a relationship.
Step 2. Have the courage to say what you think
Believe in yourself and be aware of the valuable contributions you can make to the conversation. On a daily basis, take the time to become aware of your opinions and feelings so that you can communicate them appropriately to others. Individuals who hesitate while speaking do so because they don't trust their opinions and let fear block them. Remember that what is important or valuable to one person may not be important to another, just as it may be essential to yet another.
Step 3. Practice
Develop your advanced communication skills through simple interactions with those around you. Communication skills can be practiced daily in different environments, ranging from social to professional. Learning and honing new skills takes time, but each time you make use of your new skills you will open yourself up to new opportunities and possible future collaborations.
Method 2 of 3: Engage Your Audience
Step 1. Make eye contact with your interlocutors
Whether you are listening or speaking, look your interlocutor in the eye to make your interaction more successful. Eye contact conveys interest and encourages the partner to return the interest shown.
A common technique is to shift your gaze from one eye to the other of the interlocutor: thus, it will seem that your eyes are shining. Another trick is to draw the letter "" T "on your interlocutor's face between the center of his eyebrows and his nose. Speaking, you should focus on that area
Step 2. Use gestures
Include hand and face gestures. Allow your whole body to communicate. Use limited gestures when addressing individuals or small groups. As the group of people grows, your gestures should increase and become more incisive.
Step 3. Don't send confusing messages
Your words, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice should be consistent. Trying to educate a person while smiling could send an ambiguous message and consequently be ineffective. If you want to convey a negative message, make sure your words, facial expressions and tone are consistent with your communication.
Step 4. Be aware of your body language
Body language can be much more communicative than a thousand words. An open attitude, with relaxed arms placed at your sides, will communicate to your audience that you are friendly and open to listening to others' opinions.
- Crossed arms and curved shoulders suggest disinterest or little desire to communicate. Often, body language can interrupt communication even before a real conversation begins by conveying a lack of availability.
- Proper posture and a friendly attitude can make an otherwise difficult conversation more fluid.
Step 5. Try to have a constructive and proactive attitude
The attitude you adopt during a conversation will substantially influence your peace of mind and your interactions. Be honest, patient, optimistic, sincere, and respectful towards others. Be sensitive to the feelings of those around you and believe in what they can teach you.
Step 6. Develop the ability to listen effectively
It is not enough to know how to communicate effectively, each of us must be able to listen to the words of others and to be involved in the communication of the other. Don't just listen and wait for the sentences to end in order to be able to vehemently express your ideas and thoughts elaborated while the other person was talking.
Method 3 of 3: Using Words
Step 1. Speak clearly and spell the words well
If people constantly ask you to repeat yourself, try to articulate the words and phrases better.
Step 2. Say the words correctly
People will judge your level of proficiency through your vocabulary. If you're not sure how a word is pronounced, don't use it.
Step 3. Use the right words
If you have doubts about the meaning of a word, don't use it. Try to learn a new word a day and, perhaps, include it in your daily communications to remember it.
Step 4. Speak slowly
Communicating too fast or too hastily will convey a feeling of nervousness and insecurity. In any case, avoid speaking too slowly so as not to force people to try to finish your sentences for you.
Step 5. Develop your voice
A high-pitched or whining tone of voice is not perceived as an authoritative tone. A low or high tone of voice can make you fall prey to an aggressive co-worker or prevent others from taking you seriously. Start doing exercises to lower the pitch of your voice. Try singing your favorite songs by lowering them by an octave. Do this practice constantly, as time goes by, your voice will begin to drop.
Step 6. Animate your voice
Avoid speaking monotonously and learn to speak dynamically. Radio speakers are usually a good reference for understanding how to use the dynamism of the way you should speak.
Step 7. Use an appropriate volume level
Use a volume appropriate to the circumstances. Speak in a low tone of voice when you are alone or very close to your interlocutor. Turn up the volume of your voice if you are in a very large space or if you are addressing a large group of people.
Advice
- Don't interrupt and don't talk to other people at the same time, you will only break the flow of the conversation. Timing is an important factor.
- Trust yourself when you speak. Don't let yourself be influenced by the judgment of others.
- Ask your interlocutor to give you feedback to make sure they understand you and have expressed yourself correctly during the conversation.
- A good communicator is a good listener.
- Don't over-praise yourself in front of your audience.
- Speak fluently and make sure your audience hears you.
- Pay attention to the correct use of grammar.
