Essentials Of Good Communication

Extracted from “The Star –22nd June 2013”

A healthy relationship in any quarter begins with good communication. Here are some useful tips you can apply in order to develop effective communication in your everyday interactions, be it with your boss, colleagues or your family and friends.

LISTEN

Always start by emptying out all your pre-conceptions of what you know. Have an open mind about what the other party has to say. It may be hard at first but this will help build trust and understanding in the relationship.

DO NOT INTERRUPT

Allow the other party to fully express their concerns. Suppress any urge to cut in with your own. You will fully understand the situation if you let them finish and not “jump the gun” with a wrong or misunderstood response.

AVOID POINTING FINGERS

Placing blame always comes across as an excuse and will quickly alienate the other party. This in turn could create a wall which may potentially block further communication.

BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

Beating about the bush or sticking to generalities can confuse those you are interacting with. Be as specific as you can and leave no room for about.

REPEAT THE OTHER PERSON’S VIEWS

Always repeat what the other party has expressed to ensure you fully understand their point of view.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK

Without interrupting the speaker, inject some neutral statements, such as “oh,” or “I see” to show that they have your undivided attention and that you follow their train of thought.

SOME EMPATHY

Empathy is the stability to understand the emotion behind the other party’s arguments, especially when the topic is a sensitive one. By doing so, it tells the other party that you can connect with them at an emotional level.

PAY ATTENTION TO NON-VERBAL SIGNS

The body language of the other party will give you important additional information about what they are expressing. Sometimes these cues may even reveal a more truthful view of the situation.