COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS YOU CAN USE TODAY
Some people are natural communicators and others may require time and effort to hone their interpersonal skills. Regardless of the type of communicator, many of us could benefit from a little guidance and might want to consider a communication skills keynote speaker for assistance. Here are some tips which could be applied daily, whether it’s at home or on the job, and you can begin using them immediately.
Neutral Tone
Keeping a neutral tone in our choice of words and voice inflection is just as relevant to verbal communication as it is to the written word. Keeping emotions out of a conversation is a good habit, especially in the workplace. But, it could also have its benefits at home. You don’t want to derail a conversation with emotion. So, to avoid losing sight of a point you are trying to make, keep the tone of your voice neutral and avoid verbal landmines.
Courteous Listener
As anxious as you might be to express your thoughts in a conversation, don’t let a desire for instant gratification cause you to interrupt the other person. Practice courteous listening and give the other speaker a chance to talk. This shows you are interested in the other person and you are more likely to avoid any misunderstandings.
No Interruptions
When you’re fully engaged in a conversation, you aren’t rushing to express your thoughts. You are giving yourself time to absorb and process the messages that are being exchanged. At the same time, you’re given a chance to assess the speaker’s state of mind and respond in an appropriate tone.
One Topic at a Time
Keeping to a single topic at a time in a conversation indicates an organized mind. By focusing on one idea at a time, you are more likely to be understood and accomplish the goal of the discussion. It’s also less confusing to listeners when you complete a thought before going onto the next.
Appropriate Body Language
Body language covers a range of postures and gestures that can be as powerful as words. As with your conversational tone, keep a neutral physical presence and maintain a comfortable distance between speakers. It could be difficult, but try to avoid facial expressions that could communicate negativity.
Master Communicator
Like any skill, mastering interpersonal communication abilities is a process. We could start by focusing on a neutral conversational tone, listening courteously, avoiding interruptions, keeping to one topic at a time, and monitoring body language. In addition to these suggestions, a communication skills keynote speaker can also be helpful in cultivating appropriate interpersonal skills.