5 ways to improve your communication skills

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We all have different communication skills. But they can be improved. Learn how to improve your communication skills in this article.

Why are some people able to find a common language in a matter of minutes without any problems and win the trust of completely strangers, while others are unable to come to an agreement even with their relatives? There is only one answer to this question: these people have different communication skills.

One of the most powerful yet simple ways to improve your communication skills can be summed up in just one phrase - be a good listener.

Listening is about not just closing your mouth so that the other person has time to insert a few phrases. You have to really attentively and interestedly listen to other people's words. This will not only help you connect, but it is also a great way to show respect for the other person.

When people feel this way about themselves, it immediately changes the atmosphere of your relationship. Just think about how great you felt when someone listened intently to you while you enthusiastically talked about an important event for you.

All people want to be heard. By giving them this opportunity, you will immediately make many friends. Just don't pretend: follow the story, ask clarifying questions, react to key points. Sometimes this is not so easy, especially if your interlocutor does not shine with oratory.

In addition to listening, there are a few other tips that can help you improve your communication skills.

1. Never interrupt

This is a sign of a real lack of respect. Interrupting someone, you explicitly signal to him: "I don't care what you say, I have to say much more important things."

2. Never finish someone else's sentence

Yes, human thought is far ahead of the possibilities of speech, and sometimes you just want to help the interlocutor express the thought. By doing this, you will not help, but show your doubts about the mental and oratorical abilities of a person and cause only a feeling of annoyance in response. So you better bite your tongue at times like these.

3. Paraphrase

If you want to show that you really understood someone, then simply repeat the key thought of the other person. Before agreeing to anything or protesting, simply record your understanding of what you heard. Half of the world's misunderstandings are due to the fact that people think one thing, say another, and listeners understand the third.

4. Listen actively

As noted above, your activity as a listener is of particular importance. Show your interest in the story, give feedback to the narrator, and the interlocutor's gratitude will not keep you waiting.

5. Maintain eye contact

Do not look away at extraneous things, but focus on the speaker. Looking another person in the eye will tell them that you are interested in their story. Stop all your activities and try not to be distracted.