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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TIPS

By- Nandini Dhoot

Communication is a two way process. It involves both, how we send and receive messages. Receiving includes how we take in the message and 'decoding' the message.

However most common issues actually live in receiving rather than sending messages.

What is effective communication?

Effective communication is to be able to clearly convey a message or information. Communication is more than just exchanging information. One has to understand the emotion and intentions behind the information to properly decode and understand the message.

Effective communication is therefore a key skill and learning how to improve your communication has many benefits.

Improving communication skills can deepen your connection with others, build greater trust and relations, improve work relations and your overall social and emotional health.

Communication tips to help you improve your communication skills:

1. Pay attention to non-verbal communication :

It is important to consider and understand non-verbal communication. Much of the message is communicated in a non-verbal way.

Non-verbal communication includes body language, body movement, tone and pitch of the voice, posture, eye contact and even breathing.

By paying close attention to the non-verbal communication ways, one can ensure that the message conveyed is clear and the body language is consistent and strong.

Some tips to improve non-verbal communication -

• Avoid negative body language -

Your body language speaks a lot about you. Always make eye contact while communicating, stand with your shoulders held back, deliver a firm handshake and walk with your head up. These gestures will boost your self confidence and also help in securing the communication.

• Adjust your way according to the context -

The tone and pitch of your voice should be adjusted according to the context. The tone should not be harsh and not too soft too.

• Take in consideration the individual differences -

People from different cultures, countries and background tend to have different communication skills and outlook of non-verbal gestures. So, to ensure that the communication is effective and the message delivered is properly conveyed, take in consideration the individual differences too and always wait for responses.

2. Learn to listen :

The basic area to improve is listening. Communication is a two way process, therefore, one must not only focus on delivering the message but also listen to the responses.

Improving your listening skills can help in maintaining relations, build trust and respect and show your attentiveness.

Listening includes both to pay attention to the message delivered and also to pay attention to the non-verbal gestures that come with them.

3. Make sure you are understood :

While communicating , make sure the receiver has decoded the message or information in the exact same way you delivered it.

Always take in the response of the receiver to ensure that the message was clearly conveyed with no hindrances.

Keep your body language right and don't let your stress take over you.

4. Keep your stress at bay :

In many situations, we stress out, do something wrong and then regret immediately. Thus, if you keep your stress at bay and calm your mind before communicating, you will not only avoid the unnecessary regret but also you will also help the communication to flow in a smooth way. When you're calm, the other person sees that and it will immediately make an impression of your control over your body language.

It is important to manage your emotions, think proactively, effective communication under pressure.

Some tips to maintain your calm under pressure -

• Make one point at a time -

Don't rush to get your points through. Keep your message or response short and precise.

• Speak with clarity -

Don't try to use complicated words. Body language should be relaxed with proper eye contact, posture and even breathing. Speak in a calm tone and keep your words simple.

• Silence isn't bad -

When answering a question or explaining a point , make sure you properly collect you thoughts before speaking. Avoid rambling as it will create a bad impact. Pausing will help you to keep your calm.

5. Value Yourself :

Your communication skills helps you express yourself. Valuing yourself means expressing yourself for who you are, your thoughts, your ideology in an honest and sincere way. You should avoid being degrading or demanding.

Effective communication is about understanding the other person too.

Express yourself without degrading the other or any community per se.

Learn from your mistakes and ask for help and feedbacks when needed.

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