Communication is an important aspect of our everyday life, whether we're at work, playing, receiving instructions or giving them. Getting your meaning across to others, or verifying what's being asked of you, is vital in any type of task. In order to communicate effectively, individuals should understand the basics of listening as well as speaking. As communication can be verbal, non-verbal or written, what we say and how we say it is a large part of communicating our thoughts, as is body language, the way we present information and how our audience perceives it, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Active Listening
Active listening is one of the most important aspects of communication, says the University of Maine. This means focusing on what a person is saying and pushing other distractions aside. Face the person who is speaking and maintain eye contact. Resist interrupting the person speaking until he or she has finished talking. Pay attention to the speaker, says Lisa Haneberg of 1000ventures.com. Be open to the perception of others and empathize with points of view other than your own, and then review what has been said.
Saying What You Mean
Tell people what you need or want from them, simply and plainly. Be as clear as possible when offering statements, instructions or requests. Make sure you are being understood by asking others to verify that they understand, such as asking for a recap of what you just said. Encourage questions if you have any doubt that you have been understood.
Body Language
Body language is a valuable part of verbal language and communication. It's not difficult to tell whether others are angry if you just observe their facial expression and their body position. Watch the body language of the speaker and maintain eye contact. Effective communication is enhanced by open, relaxed body language, which conveys that the speaker is willing and open to hearing opinions, questions or other comments. A person who stands with arms crossed, is pointing, gesturing erratically or otherwise displaying signs of agitation, is not one who is receptive to others.
Encourage Dialogue
Open dialogue between two or more people is effective communication. Dialogue offers an exchange of ideas and thoughts and promotes cooperation and active listening skills. Dialogue, according to kithoughtbridge.com, means participation among individuals, where each person has a chance to speak and be heard and his or her opinions addressed. Ideal discussions should promote equal opportunity to express opinion, idea or thoughts without judgment or competition.
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