Communication Techniques

Communication Techniques

Have you ever wondered how easy it has become to visit the remotest place on earth, but how extremely difficult it yet remains for us to cover the distance to our neighbor’s door? This is a grave pointer to the paradoxical zeitgeist of our society wherein advancement in communication has shrunk geographical distances, but only magnified mental spaces. Lack of proper communication has put a spanner in our relations, both personal and professional. Misunderstanding due to half-baked transmission and misinterpretation of information results in estranged and embittered ties. Communication is the means by which information flows between people and organizations. A healthy communication at all levels is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. To convey your stance pithily, you must acquaint yourself with different communication techniques. They are quintessential not only in your workplace, but also for developing an overall desirable personality. If you are looking for more on communication techniques, the information below will certainly offer useful guidelines on the same. Read on to learn more.

Effective Communication Techniques

Listen

Communication is not a one-way street where it is you who does the talking to prove your point. Communication begins with developing listening skills. Stephen R. Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” lists the fifth habit of successful people as those who “seek first to understand, then to be understood”. Listening with the intent to understand also forces the recipient to match the effective points raised in the reply, thus leading to high-quality communication.

Respond To Criticism With Empathy

It’s easy to get defensive when someone comes to you with criticism. While criticism is hard to hear and often exaggerated or smacks of emotional bias, it is important to listen to the other person’s pain and respond with empathy to his or her feelings. Try to sift the truth from what they are saying lest you miss some valuable information pertaining to you.

Avoid Speaking Fast

People who communicate well in English are not necessarily fast. What makes them great speakers is their steadiness. You should aim at speaking fluently without stammering rather than speaking fast. It is normally difficult for people who speak fast to put their message clearly across. Remember, people will have trouble understanding your conversation if you are not clear with your pronunciations.

Avoid Arguments

It is not uncommon for conversations and discussions to turn into discordant arguments. Arguing is a futile activity which must be avoided. In case you get into one, do not try to prove yourself right just to win the argument. Instead, find the middle-path that serves as an amicable and constructive resolution to all parties.