According to SelfGrowth.com, many social scientists believe that humans are primarily different from animals just because we developed language as a method of communication. The site goes on to explain how linguists claim that spoken language only actually accounts for a total of 7 percent of communication. Body language, including your vocal tone, facial expressions and style of speaking, comprise the remaining 93 percent of communication among people.
Pay Attention
Going along with the fact that body language comprises so much of the meaning in our communication, it is important to pay careful attention to the body language of those with whom you communicate. Notice the way they move their bodies and their volume and tone of voice. This can increase the effectiveness of your communication because it will provide you with unspoken clues as to how the other person is feeling at the moment. For example, if someone's tone of voice is very low and he is speaking very slowly, this could be a sign that he is upset about something. Noticing that a person is slouching can indicate that he feels insecure or tired.
Communicate Clearly
To communicate clearly, it is helpful to first have a clear idea of what you wish to communicate and the purpose you have for doing so. SelfGrowth.com states that just by knowing your goal in communication, you can more easily organize your thoughts and align your vocal tone and body language to support your chosen words. It is also helpful to speak slowly and enunciate your words properly so that the person you are talking with can easily understand what you are saying without having to ask you to repeat yourself. Make sure to speak with short sentences and pause when appropriate; speaking too quickly can make it hard for someone else to follow what you say.
Listen Deeply
Active listening is an important and powerful way to communicate effectively. To listen actively, first make sure that you do not interrupt someone else who is speaking. Ask questions when appropriate to help you clarify the messages the other person is sharing with you. Paraphrasing (or repeating what a person has just said in your own words) is a great way to help someone else clarify what she has said or to affirm that you have properly understood what she intended to communicate. When listening to someone else, be fully present for the person instead of trying to prepare what you will say next in response.
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