7 Tips To Communicate Better!

Inspired from the book I just finished reading and also from all the socializing that I’ve been doing this past week, I think it’s time to talk about communication. I am no one or even close to be called an expert to talk about improving your communication skills but I’ve learned to be better over the years. And some of the tips that I have listed here definitely hits home for me. I believe it is important to improve yourself every single day and in the modern world, you have to communicate almost everyday. So I thought, why not blog about communication for a change? Who’s ready to be better at communication?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.“

*Eleanor Roosevelt*

I find it odd when people have hard time breaking the ice when you first meet up with someone. Asking simple and appropriate questions can either stir or make your relationship bloom into a whole different level. But at the same time, it can also spiral downwards when you ask questions that makes people uncomfortable. Plus, one way communication is not considered a healthy communication at all. You need to know when to listen and to speak out more. You have to put some effort into the conversation and make sure the people you are in conversation with are doing the same.

We are constantly meeting up new people and connecting everyday through various platforms these days. But I seldom wonder if I am checking out all the right boxes when it comes to communication. Being an introvert, it is definitely a challenge to break out of my shell but it not impossible either. I still enjoy being an introvert most of my life but I also found a safe ground when I need to be a social bird. Now, let’s jump right into the details, shall we?

1. Meet people properly.

The key to a good communication is a proper introduction. If you somehow ended up loving each others’ vibes, feel free to exchange your contact information. You can always choose to exchange your phone numbers or emails or even try the social media platforms before you get too personal. Make sure you can at least pronounce the names of people you’ve just met. I find it rude when people don’t remember mine.

2. Find things you have in common.

You can always find a common ground with anyone. Pick topics or events that make you comfortable to talk about. It can be anything from your life or things you see in your daily lives. From there, you can make up your differences. Sports, usually cut across boundaries of race and wealth. And if you find nothing else, you have the weather in common to say at least.

3. Try for optimal meet up conditions.

When you are meeting up for the first time, make sure no one is hungry, cold or tired. Meet over a meal if you can. Food softens a meet up. That’s why people suggest to do a lunch when it comes to business. You can talk about food and slowly get into the details when it is the right time. When it is a foodie like me, we can talk all day long about food and I won’t get bored.

4. Let everyone talk.

Don’t finish someone’s sentences. A mistake I used to do in the past. Let people finish their sentences on their own pace even if it takes forever. Try to listen more and be empathetic. It doesn’t only teaches you patience but also helps you to grasp information better. Always remember that talking louder or faster doesn’t make your idea any better.

5. Check egos at the door.

Do not let your ego take over whatever that you are trying to prove. It wouldn’t fly high. Instead, try to leave your ego behind when you meet anyone new. It helps you get to know the person well and keeps you away from an early judging. Take some time to talk and express each others’ feelings before you jump right into a conclusion about the person or their character.

6. Praise each other.

Always, always, always, find something nice to say, even if it’s a stretch. Even the worst people can have silver linings if you look hard enough. Dwell on that. Emphasize on their strengths and not their weaknesses. When people compliments you, embrace it with open arms and do the same when you get an opportunity. Nothing wrong in making someone’s day.

7. Phrase alternatives as questions.

Instead of “I think we should do A, not B,” try “What if we did A, instead of B?” A question is always better than a statement and that allows people to offer comments rather than defend one’s choice. Normally, we expect people to do something instead of asking them if they are even comfortable to do it. To get your job done, try throwing some questions instead of making statements. It usually works wonders.

To get to a better communication is not an easy task but it is not impossible either. When both parties are willing to make the communication better, you’ll see some change. The key is to keep communicating and keep bettering yourself. Now, tell me what do you do differently to get into communicating better?