Without effective communication skills, it is very easy to give off mixed signals. Effectively communicating with people involves more than simply knowing the right words to say to get your point across. Your mannerisms, body language and attitude toward someone else convey tons of messages that your spoken words may or may not exactly harmonize with. Practice effective communication skills in your daily routine, and you will put both yourself and others more at ease.
Instructions
1. Use appropriate body language when you speak with others. Even when you carefully choose the correct words to conceal your true feelings, your body language can give it away. For example, if you wrinkle your forehead excessively while speaking with someone, or have a habit of scratching your chin when you are involved in an uncomfortable conversation, your listener may eventually pick up on this. This can, in turn, affect his comfort level. No one signal may betray your inner feelings, but it is a combination of small mannerisms. For example, you may fidget with your hands, slouch your shoulders, even constantly tap your feet on the floor, all subconsciously. But all this could lead the person you are talking with to believe that you'd really rather be elsewhere.
2. Exhibit empathy and respect to the person with whom you are speaking. Even if you do not agree with someone else's viewpoints on politics, religion, life or any number of things, allow him the right to his own opinions. Don't cut him off before he can complete his sentences, and don't keep finishing his sentences for him. Exhibiting a neutral attitude does not mean you approve or even agree. Simply show that you are willing to speak with him in the respectful way he appreciates being spoken to. Extend this respect to everyone, regardless of social status.
3. Play the "old friend" trick on your mind upon first speaking with someone new. Imagine beforehand that you are actually meeting an old, childhood friend. Someone you've craved having the chance to talk with again for years, tried reaching countless times with no success, but kept in your thoughts. Channel these warm, expectant feelings to your body language and voice when you first meet this new, "old friend." Do not hug and kiss her, of course! But speak with warmth and positive body language.
4. Read about the latest happenings in your area, your region, and around the world. Stay informed, not just with your small world, but with the world going on around you. This will give you a broader base of information to speak with others about. Use Internet news sites, watch television news and listen to radio talk shows.
