|
Merriam-Webster defines “communication” as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior.” The way we communicate greatly affects our personal lives and our business careers. And there are indeed many ways to communicate.
“Communication is not only the essence of being human, but also a vital property of life.” –John Piece
“Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment.” –Pearl Buck
Means of communication
We’ve come a long way from the days of communicating by long-distance runners, carrier pigeons, and smoke signals. In our modern world we communicate in many ways:
- Face-to-face verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Verbal communication via telephone.
- Written communication via letters, fax machines, text messaging and the internet. The internet has, of course, opened a plethora of communication possibilities including email, chat rooms, forums, web cams, and social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
- Communication through the media via newspapers, magazines, radio and TV.
The most productive and personal form of communicating
Even today, the most productive and personal form of communication is the one that has existed since mankind itself: face-to-face meetings.
Various studies have shown that we respond much more to a person's non-verbal communication that we do to the actual words being said.
It’s human nature to immediately start judging a new acquaintance by his or her appearance, body language, tone of voice, degree of eye contact, facial gestures, emotions and actions.
Numerous books and articles have been written on ways and methods of effectively communicating face-to-face. Some dive deeply into the human psyche and many are complicated and lengthy dissertations on the subject.
I believe that the true art of communication is based on simple common sense. It’s a skill that people acquire as they mature and grow older, and it’s never completely mastered.
My own “common sense” list of communicating tips
Based on personal experience, here are some of my most productive face-to-face communication tips:
- Know what to say and when to say it. “When in doubt, leave it out.”
- Listen more than you speak.
- Make the person feel good. Compliment his or her appearance, their insight on a subject, their intelligence, etc. Make the compliments genuine and detailed, not superficial.
- Smile a lot and laugh when it’s appropriate. People quickly recognize a good sense of humor.
- Remember the person’s name and use it often in your conversation.
- Make the conversation about the other person, not yourself. Ask questions.
- Pay attention and maintain eye contact.
- Touch the person’s shoulder or pat their arm at appropriate moments. Friendly physical contact can add a certain feeling of closeness to the conversation.
- If you feel anger rising in you, nip it in the bud. Words spoken in anger are usually harmful and later regretted. If you can't contain the anger, leave the conversation.
|
