Being an effective communicator can be challenging. Taking the time to listen to others or find commonality during an argument is not always easy. However, with the right tools at your disposal, you can learn to articulate your thoughts and ideas can be a tad easier. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
Spend more time listening
Effective communicators are adept at listening. Through consciously listening to what others have to say, you’ll be able to respond appropriately. By creating a good balance between speaking and listening, you’ll also ensure that people truly feel as though they’ve heard.
Ask questions
Effective communicators frequently ask questions. This allows them to understand what others are saying while encouraging them to share their knowledge and opinions.
Don’t be afraid to sit in silence
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of silence. After all, lapses in conversation are only natural. Additionally, allowing silence to occur naturally in a conversation ensures that you’re not interrupting someone’s train of thought.
Find a middle ground
Not everyone will share an opinion with you, and that’s okay. However, finding common ground in an argument provides an avenue for communication that eventually establishes trust. You may not always have to agree with the person, but learning to understand things from their perspective may help in strengthening relationships.
Pay attention to body language
Effective communicators understand that it’s not only verbal communication that’s key, but non-verbal too. Body language can often speak louder than words, so make sure you pay attention to how someone conducts themselves – yourself included. Are they smiling, fidgeting or standing still? Your body language can often express how nervous or confident you are.
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