Become a better communicator by following these 3 rules May 5th
Good communication skills can be a huge advantage not only at work, but in life generally. So, if you don’t think you’re effective when it comes to conveying your ideas and understanding what others say to you, now’s the time to take action. The following three rules should help you to become a better communicator.
- Learn to really listen
Listening to others is simple, but truly hearing what they have to say is a different matter. This issue was raised at a skills-sharing event for businesspeople hosted by Appco UK, a sales specialist that also offers face-to-face fundraising services for nonprofits through Appco Group Support. Speaking at the event, hostage negotiator Richard Mullender noted that in order to genuinely connect with people, it’s important to identify what they value most. He described these things as people’s ‘emotional triggers’.
Addressing the audience at the gathering organised by Appco Group, he also highlighted the importance of not jumping in too quickly with responses when others are talking. Doing this can mean you cut people off and miss out on key points that they would otherwise have raised, he suggested.
Mr Mullender went on to draw attention to the need to actively show people that you’re paying attention to what they are saying. He pointed out that something as simple as an appropriate look or sound can reassure someone that you’re following their train of thought.
- Always consider your audience
When you’re speaking to others, whether you’re giving a formal talk or you’re simply having a chat with colleagues, it’s always important to consider your audience. This means tailoring the tone and content of your message to suit the people you’re addressing. For example, while using technical terms and industry buzz words might be fine if you’re speaking to experts in a particular field, try to avoid using jargon when you’re talking to people who may not understand or be interested in this type of language.
If you don’t adapt your tone to suit your audience, you could find that your message gets lost in translation.
- Put in the time and effort
Practice makes perfect when it comes to effective communication. The more time you spend speaking with and listening to others, the better you’ll become. For example, it’s completely natural to be nervous when giving presentations, but the more talks you do, the easier they should become and the better you’ll get. So, try not to shy away from situations you find difficult or awkward. Ultimately, putting in the time and effort is the best way to hone your communication skills.
May 5th
Good communication skills can be a huge advantage not only at work, but in life generally. So, if you don’t think you’re effective when it comes to conveying your ideas and understanding what others say to you, now’s the time to take action. The following three rules should help you to become a better communicator.
- Learn to really listen
Listening to others is simple, but truly hearing what they have to say is a different matter. This issue was raised at a skills-sharing event for businesspeople hosted by Appco UK, a sales specialist that also offers face-to-face fundraising services for nonprofits through Appco Group Support. Speaking at the event, hostage negotiator Richard Mullender noted that in order to genuinely connect with people, it’s important to identify what they value most. He described these things as people’s ‘emotional triggers’.
Addressing the audience at the gathering organised by Appco Group, he also highlighted the importance of not jumping in too quickly with responses when others are talking. Doing this can mean you cut people off and miss out on key points that they would otherwise have raised, he suggested.
Mr Mullender went on to draw attention to the need to actively show people that you’re paying attention to what they are saying. He pointed out that something as simple as an appropriate look or sound can reassure someone that you’re following their train of thought.
- Always consider your audience
When you’re speaking to others, whether you’re giving a formal talk or you’re simply having a chat with colleagues, it’s always important to consider your audience. This means tailoring the tone and content of your message to suit the people you’re addressing. For example, while using technical terms and industry buzz words might be fine if you’re speaking to experts in a particular field, try to avoid using jargon when you’re talking to people who may not understand or be interested in this type of language.
If you don’t adapt your tone to suit your audience, you could find that your message gets lost in translation.
- Put in the time and effort
Practice makes perfect when it comes to effective communication. The more time you spend speaking with and listening to others, the better you’ll become. For example, it’s completely natural to be nervous when giving presentations, but the more talks you do, the easier they should become and the better you’ll get. So, try not to shy away from situations you find difficult or awkward. Ultimately, putting in the time and effort is the best way to hone your communication skills.
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