Tips: Communication tips that will help you in conversations/relationships
Communication is one of the major contributing factors in a successful relationship /or conversation. It “is about understanding each other”.
However, how to treat it best becomes the problem.
Communication and comprehension go hand-in-hand. You can communicate perfectly but comprehension (understanding) will fail at the other end. Communication must achieve the best result. The other party must understand what you communicated for the cycle to be complete.
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Communication tips that will help you in conversations
1. Clarity
Leave out the fluff and come to the point.
If you confuse people, your message won’t get through.
Communicate your message in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
2. Active listening
Some people listen, while some people are waiting to start talking again.
Pay attention to what the other person is saying and show empathy.
If you make people feel understood, they’ll open up to you.
3. Eye contact
Some people prefer talking to their feet.
It’s a lonely conversation.
Make eye contact and connect with the person you’re talking to instead.
4. Avoid yes/no questions
Yes/no questions are a dead end and can lead to awkward silence.
If you want to keep the conversation going, you need open-ended questions.
Ask, and then listen.
5. Body language
Human beings say more with their body than with their actual language.
Pay attention to the other person’s posture, way of standing, and what they do with their hands.
You’ll get deeper insights into the other person’s feelings.
6. Keep an open mind
Different people have different perspectives.
Keep an open mind and don’t judge.
It can open up a whole new world and make you understand people on a deeper level.
7. Be aware of your tone
Your tone communicates as much if not more than your actual words.
Pay attention.
Use your tone to underline what you’re saying.
8. Summarize
Communication is about understanding each other.
Summarize in your own words what the other person said to make sure you’re on the same page.
9. Give turns to talk
Communication needs at least two people.
When you speak, make sure you give the other person an opportunity to say something as well.
Don’t make any conversation the longest monologue in history.
10. Avoid interrupting
Interrupting people while they talk is rude and offensive.
If you both accidentally start talking at the same time, that’s different of course. Simply stop.
Let the other person finish and treat them with respect.
11. Speak slower
Slowing down your speech can allow the other person to more easily grasp what you’re saying.
It also gives them a sense that you’re more competent in what you’re talking about and can help facilitate the use of a wider vocabulary.
Taking all the listed and explained tips into consideration and adding other best practices is a good way to go in conversations/relationships.
Credit: Kendi Muthomi MSc
