You can't dodge communication. In fact, even if you never speak again, you'll still spend the remainder of your life communicating because, according to Self-Help Magazine, more than 70 percent of what we try to convey to others comes from our body language. Mastering communication will make you a more effective employee or boss, but it will also improve the entire spectrum of your relationships--from your partner to your bank teller--and make life's everyday transactions run more smoothly.
Step 1
Be aware of your body language. The words we say comprise less than 30 percent of what we're trying to communicate. It doesn't matter if you use the words "I'm not angry" if your fists and teeth are clenched. Face the person you are speaking to, maintain eye contact and keep a relaxed, neutral posture.
Step 2
Stay in your own space. Entering someone else's personal space while you're communicating can make the other person feel uncomfortable, intimidated or even threatened. Practice learning personal space by putting your arms straight out in front of you and make sure you never get any closer than that.
Step 3
Be respectful. Never raise your voice, monopolize the conversation or interrupt people with whom you're speaking. Honor their contributions to the communication process and never act like the things they are saying aren't interesting or important.
Step 4
Value your contribution to the communication process. Don't allow yourself to be monopolized, disrespected or devalued by your speaking partner. Have confidence and trust that you know what you're talking about and that you have valid opinions.
Step 5
Understand and respect diversity. According to famous cultural expert Edward Hall, "culture is communication." This means that a person's values, history, upbringing, traditions and community are parts of how she communicates. For example, in some cultures, it's common for people to touch (shake hands, pat on the shoulder, and so on) during communication; other cultures discourage touching. Use culturally sensitive language and be adaptable to the communication styles of people from other countries and backgrounds.
Step 6
Recognize that each person has a different communication style. According to the Online Women's Business Center, communicators fall into three categories: aggressive, passive and assertive. Aim to be an assertive communicator because this gets your point across respectfully and confidently. Passive communicators are easy to intimidated and shut down, and aggressive communicators are forceful and indirectly or directly intimidate their speaking partners.
Step 7
Be a good listener. According to Pablo Golub of Top 7 Business.com, you should listen twice as much as you speak. Show that you're engaging in active listening by nodding your head; keeping a calm, neutral posture; and asking relevant follow-up questions.
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