Communication is a necessary tool in society. Humans are more complexed compared to any other being on earth so communication needs to be more effective when it is more diverse for us. Sociologists and psychologist have proven that a the key to any successful relationship is strong communication. The challenge is how you can improve it when it is so broad and intricate. However, there are simple yet practical methods that can help you be a better communicator especially when dealing with clients and even colleagues at work.
Active Listening
You may know how to listen but to be truly a good and efficient listener is different. Everyone and anyone can actually listen as even animals can do that but authentic listening is understanding and internalizing what you heard. This means not just lending an ear but really reacting what the speaker is trying to tell you. Eye-contact is a very crucial component to listening as it establishes focus that you really are listening and showing genuine interest by body gestures is a plus. They may be ranting there non-stop but they will eventually pick up on the fact that your body language and focus tells them you have no interest whatsoever. This can be insulting to the person. The most challenging part of good listening is also what most people don’t actually practice and that is listening without bias or prejudice as these can create barriers between relationships and deter the whole communication process rather than improve it. This is what most call as actively listening and successfully implementing it put you in-sync with the other person is saying and feeling which makes create a bond easier.
Stress control
A lot of people actually don’t realize this but emotions especially under high stress can blind your communication skills. Emotions can be irrational at times and puts us at risk of saying something we shouldn’t have or we could have at least phrased it better. This is why when emotions are high and tensions are thick, you should take a pause and breather for a minute to let your mind calm down and collect your thoughts. This helps avoid outbursts and regretting what you shouldn’t have said. Emotion can also muddle your line of thinking and confuses communication all around so make one strong point so both you and the other person doesn’t get confused. You should also try to stay objective as possible and practice active listening. This means letting them showcase their side of the argument without interrupting them and understanding their words rather than judging them.
Confidence
This may sound contradictory to active listening but you should be also assertive with how you communicate. The fact is that good communicators are highly eloquent and credible is not only because of their standing but with how confident they actually talk. They are the ones who stand by their thoughts, opinions and feelings without coming off as disrespectful or demeaning. You should know what your own values are and what you actually stand for. They say that if you don’t stand for anything, you fall for everything. Be strong enough to have your own say but with also considering their own opinions. We all know communication is understanding the other person but communication is a two-ways street and you shouldn’t also falter with your own perspectives.
The reality here is that effective communication can go a long way especially in the workplace. It can prevent and resolve conflicts, strengthen bonds and amplify strengths. This is why communications is so crucial in the workplace as it can help boots success.