How to Communicate Effectively

Connect

·        Establish rapport with people

·        Pay attention to people’s facial expressions, body language, and tone of

            voice.

·        See things from the other person’s point of view.

·        Adjust your communication style to match theirs.

·        Avoid criticizing, making negative judgments, or saying that the other person    is wrong.

·        Show interest in the other person’s interests and concerns.

Listen

·        Encourage people to talk.

·        Show your willingness to listen. Minimize distractions. Attend to the other

·        person with your whole body (your body language, eyes, facial expressions).

·        Nod your head and give verbal cues to communicate that you are paying attention.

·        Ask open-ended questions.

·        Listen to what people are trying to communicate, not just to what they are  saying. Listen to their emotions. Listen also to what they want.

·        Check to make sure you understand. Use your own words to reflect what you  have heard and noticed.

Communicate

·        Speak with sincerity and conviction.

·        Be sensitive to other people’s communication style.

·        Know what you want to accomplish. Do you want people to understand your  position? Lend their support? Approve your request?

·        Listen at least as much as you talk.

·        Attune what you say with how you say it. Keep your message fitting with

·        your tone of voice, facial expression, and body language.

Speak

·        Project confidence.

·        Connect with your audience.

·        Keep it short and simple. Most communication can accomplish only one objective,

·        develop three main points, and hold people’s attention only so long.

·        Ask for feedback; was the message understood.