Communication occurs in relationships through nonverbal and verbal patterns. When you communicate with others, you are sending and receiving signals. Sending the correct signals and understanding the signals you receive will improve your communication success. Take advantage of six ways to improve your communication for a positive impact on your personal and business relationships.
Ask Questions
Ask questions during conversations with other people. When you ask questions, you can obtain more in-depth information, according to "The Essentials of Negotiation" by Roy J. Lewicki, Bruce Barry and David M. Saunders. This technique also lets the speaker know you're paying attention and are interested in what he has to say.
Practice Listening
Incorporate three different types of listening skills into your communication. Lewicki, Barry and Saunders suggest using passive listening, where you listen without providing any feedback; acknowledgement, in which you provide feedback to show interest and propel the conversation by nodding or emitting such sounds as "mm-hmm"; and the better known method of active listening, where you confirm to the person that you understand what she said by using your own words to repeat it back to her.
Use Your Eyes
Correct use of your eyes will positively impact your communication. Your eyes are the key to successful communication because, in most people, vision is their strongest sense, according to HelpGuide.org. Your eyes can reveal whether you are interested or bored with the conversation, and they also are capable of displaying such emotions as anger, sadness and joy.
Use Your Body
Your body should validate the messages you are communicating. The way you position your body displays your interest. Avoid slouching and face the person you're speaking with to increase your chances of successful communication, according to "The Essentials of Negotiation." While it's also important to lean slightly toward the person you're listening to, you shouldn't invade his personal space.
Cultural Background
Your cultural background helps you build an understanding of what nonverbal cues mean and how they are used, according to Dr. Stella Ting-Toomey's "Communicating Across Cultures." Therefore, your cultural background may influence how you communicate. However, it's important to remember that just because someone has a different background, it doesn't mean she will fall into a cultural stereotype and act a certain way. Be sensitive to cultural differences, but refrain from making assumptions.
Record Your Communication
Improve your communication skills by evaluating how you communicate. Videotape a couple of your conversations. Watch the video a number of times, paying attention to your nonverbal and verbal patterns. Use this exercise to consider what your verbal and nonverbal signals are saying, according to HelpGuide.org. Work on improving your weak areas to make positive changes to your communication techniques.
References
- "Communicating Across Cultures," Dr. Stella Ting-Toomey; 1999
- "The Essentials of Negotiation," Roy J. Lewicki, Bruce Barry and David M. Saunders; 2007
- HelpGuide.org: Nonverbal Communication Skills
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