AUTHENTIC RESOURCE
How to Communicate Effectively
Why you need to be good at it
Effective communication has been a vehicle for transporting ideas, perspectives and opinions in life from time immemorial. It suffice to say therefore that without communication there will be no existence.
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, ‘Communication. noun. /kəˌmyunəˈkeɪʃn/ 1[uncountable]is the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information. Speech is the fastest method of communication between people.
Communication can be verbal or non verbal, or a mix of verbal and non verbal as far as one’s ideas are being expressed properly because as a communicator you are responsible for this even though you are not responsible for how your audience understands as most times it depends on their perspective and state of mind at the time, however you should express your ideas and/or feelings in the best way to inform your audience.
The importance of effective communication cannot be over emphasized as without it, peace, progress and ultimately development would elude the human race.
I know that’s a lot to process mentally and digest and I’m open to further discussion on this in the comment section below.
Going forward, here are some tips to assist you in developing good communication skills.
Consistent Eye Contact
Keeping eye contact is critical in order to establish a connection. When there is no connection, interactions lose their essence.
Personally, I began by blurring the lines between my buddies and the strangers I encountered. Why should I hold back on a complete stranger whom I may never see again if I can communicate my feelings to my buddies whom I see virtually every day?
As a result, I made direct eye contact with everyone I was speaking with. At first, it was quite difficult. I felt compelled to flee. But, with practice, I was able to master it. And it was only then that I comprehended what had happened.
What’s the Best Way to Talk to Anyone? They Deserve Respect
Isn’t it a tad self-evident? It happened to me too. Respect, on the other hand, varies greatly from one individual to the next. And how we treat a person or an audience has an impact on how we communicate.
Begin by being upbeat. Consider the individuals to be your pals. It’s critical to remember that not everyone is looking to judge you for your words. This can dramatically alter your attitude about strangers.
Have respect for others, whether you’re talking to a coworker or giving a presentation in front of an audience. You become aware of your own individuality when you have respect from within. Only then will you be able to leave an impression on the audience with your work and ideas.
Pay attention to nonverbal communication as well
Did you know that if your body language isn’t on track, more than half of what you say is meaningless? When I realized that nonverbal gestures account for 65 percent of communication, I was enthralled.
It is reciprocal. You should speak what you mean, and your body language should reflect that. The same is true for your target audience. Keep an eye on them to check if they are understanding what you are saying or not.
For a bigger audience, this is extremely vital. To reach a wider audience, you may need to customize your communication materials and expand your terminology.
Move around if you have the opportunity. Use your hands to their full potential. Do not simply fold them and remain motionless. It may appear frightening at first, but it will help you learn to communicate much more quickly.
Concentrate on Storytelling
Do you prefer to hear facts that aren’t embellished in any way? How would you feel if your pals exclusively talked about serious topics and never cracked a joke? Isn’t it going to be a dull conversation?
Take a look at how you communicate with others now. Do you ever feel stiff? Do you solely concentrate on the task at hand and then leave? If you do, it will undoubtedly be a barrier to learning how to communicate.
You must tell a tale to create an impression on someone. Everyone enjoys a good story. Everyone appreciates a good storyteller. As a result, begin by being unpretentious. Please don’t be too rigid. Incorporate all of your facts into your narrative.
Using a Mirror as a Medium of Communication
When striving to improve your communication abilities, a mirror can be really beneficial. You can try this out if you don’t think it weird. Simply set out some time for yourself and face a mirror. You can now rehearse your presentation. If you don’t, just talk to yourself in a casual manner.
Begin with the fundamentals. What do you ask someone when you first meet them, for example? Instead of practicing the discussion in your brain, practice it in front of the mirror. This gives you a good opportunity to practice using your terminology.
Instead of just listening or talking, start a conversation
Would you want someone if they didn’t say anything while you did all the talking? You wouldn’t you right? This is true for everyone. So, when you’re learning how to effectively speak with anyone, practice making dialogues.
Say your piece, and then allow your audience to do the same. It is easier to practice this in a one-on-one chat. To improve your conversation abilities, you can enlist the assistance of a friend or a willing volunteer. Learn how to hold important discussions!
Don’t overthink things
This is where many go astray. It’s sometimes about what we’re going to say afterwards, or anything we’ve stated before.
To learn how to communicate, break that habit and learn to be present. Don’t put too much thought into it. Keep it simple. Be true to yourself. Before you talk, gather your thoughts and put yourself in the position to grasp what the other person is saying.
Leave a chat when you’re done with it. After you’ve finished, don’t think about what could have gone better. It could jeopardize your next interaction with the individual.
Final words
In the twenty-first century, communication is a crucial talent. To develop a credible personality, we must be able to communicate effectively. It does, without a question, take time to master. While the degree of the practice differs from person to person, the simple recommendations provided above will assist you in learning how to communicate effectively.
A complementary article by Anjali Arya
Reference
How to talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: The Secrets of Good Communication by Larry King
