My first tip is that you embrace the fact that your communication skills are critical to the success of all you do. Whether you are a parent, the head of a corporation, a PTA volunteer, a college student etc. all you do depends on communicating. Communication really is an art form which we learn very little about in our formative years. Yet it is so necessary to our success in life. Excellent communication skills will help us to avoid conflict, resolve problems, get our needs met, meet the needs of significant others, avoid failure, have great relationships etc.
To improve your communication skills begin by observing yourself. Are you a good listener? Do you interrupt others? Are you quick to think of a response before listening and understanding what is being said? Are you preoccupied when others are speaking to you? Do you give others your undivided attention? Do you roll your eyes when you disagree with what is being said? Do you care about the person speaking or what he is saying?
Next, listen to the way you communicate. Do you answer people's questions directly or do you beat around the bush? Do you expand your communication giving too many details? Do you omit important details not giving others a clear picture of what you are saying? Do you stay on track or do you chase rabbits (meaning you allow your thinking to be easily derailed by incoming thoughts)? Do you exercise discretion? Do you use coarse language?
To improve your communication even more think about the best way you can communicate your thoughts and ideas. Begin to think about what it is that you are trying to communicate. What point are you trying to convey with your words? Why are you trying to convey it? What needs are you wanting to get met? What are your motivations? These are deep questions and are very important for you to consider if you truly want to improve your communication skills and particularly your relationships.
A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Finally, consider how people close to you respond when you communicate with them. Are they attentive? Do you get positive feedback from them? Do your communications often result in feelings of conflict, failure or rejection? Do you speak clearly? Do you speak too loud or not loud enough? There is much to becoming an excellent communicator. Self awareness is a huge factor to that end. Take time to journal your answers to these questions. It will help you to focus in on what communication skills you need to work on most.
To improve your communication skills begin by observing yourself. Are you a good listener? Do you interrupt others? Are you quick to think of a response before listening and understanding what is being said? Are you preoccupied when others are speaking to you? Do you give others your undivided attention? Do you roll your eyes when you disagree with what is being said? Do you care about the person speaking or what he is saying?
A chattering fool comes to ruin.
Next, listen to the way you communicate. Do you answer people's questions directly or do you beat around the bush? Do you expand your communication giving too many details? Do you omit important details not giving others a clear picture of what you are saying? Do you stay on track or do you chase rabbits (meaning you allow your thinking to be easily derailed by incoming thoughts)? Do you exercise discretion? Do you use coarse language?
To improve your communication even more think about the best way you can communicate your thoughts and ideas. Begin to think about what it is that you are trying to communicate. What point are you trying to convey with your words? Why are you trying to convey it? What needs are you wanting to get met? What are your motivations? These are deep questions and are very important for you to consider if you truly want to improve your communication skills and particularly your relationships.
A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Finally, consider how people close to you respond when you communicate with them. Are they attentive? Do you get positive feedback from them? Do your communications often result in feelings of conflict, failure or rejection? Do you speak clearly? Do you speak too loud or not loud enough? There is much to becoming an excellent communicator. Self awareness is a huge factor to that end. Take time to journal your answers to these questions. It will help you to focus in on what communication skills you need to work on most.
INSPIRING THOUGHTS