10 Insider Tips From a Decade of Practical Experience
After nearly a decade in my career as instructor, I've picked up my fair share of communication tips and tricks. And let me tell you, it's been a wild ride! From navigating tricky workplace dynamics to figuring out how to get my point across clearly, I've learned so much about the art of communication.
Now, I want to pass some of that hard-won knowledge on to you. In this post, I'll be sharing the top communication skills and strategies I wish someone had told me years ago. These are the techniques and mindsets that have helped me connect better with colleagues, have more productive discussions with my boss, and even improve my personal relationships.
Get ready to level up your communication game! The insights I'm about to drop will help you become a master communicator who can build empathy with anyone. Let's dive right in and transform the way you talk, text, email, and interact with other people!
Listen more than you talk. Active listening is a key skill. Focus on understanding what the other person is saying, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions.
Seek first to be understood. Before trying to convince or persuade, make an effort to truly understand the other perspective. Ask open-ended questions.
Paraphrase and summarize. Repeat back key points in your own words to confirm understanding and show the other person you were listening. Ask "Did I get that right?"
Limit distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while communicating. Give the other person your full attention.
Speak concisely and to the point. Get to the key facts and conclusions quickly and efficiently.
Ask for feedback. Periodically ask coworkers and managers how you can improve your communication. Be open to constructive criticism.
Practice. The more you practice communicating - giving presentations, having meetings, writing emails - the better you will get over time. Focus on continually improving.
Speak assertively, not aggressively. Stand your ground when needed but avoid an accusatory or confrontational tone.
Write clearly and concisely in emails and documents. Use an active voice, simple language, and clear headers and summaries.
Build empathy. Find common ground, look for ways to relate to others, and develop trust. This will make future communication go more smoothly.
Do you have any other valuable tips ? share them in the comments below.
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