“I need to know how to have a conversation.” I see people raised on tech struggling to hold a live conversation. Then, when they end up building a business, they feel blocked or inhibited. This isn’t a slam against anyone or a rant about generations or tech. Instead, I want to give you some straightforward tips. The following is going to be very simple and concise.
Communication is vital in any relationship with family, friends, or colleagues. But how do we become good communicators? A great place to start is by understanding the three critical components of effective communication: being interested in the person, asking unusual questions, and listening.
Being Interested in the Person
The first step to being a great communicator is to be interested in the person you speak to. This means actively listening to what they are saying and being genuinely interested in their point of view. Showing interest can help build trust and may even reveal new information about the person. A few (simplistic) ways to show interest include:
🤔 Asking follow-up questions
🤗 Making eye contact
🤝 Nodding your head in agreement
🤗 Smiling and laughing
🤓 Showing excitement
Asking Unusual Questions
The second key component to effective communication is to ask unusual questions. This can help to uncover more information and provide a deeper understanding of the person. Unique questions can range from the simple (“What did you do this weekend?”) to the more complex (“What are your thoughts on the current political climate?”). You should also be willing to ask difficult questions if necessary. It can be uncomfortable, but it can also be a great way to get to the heart of the matter.
Listening for Feeling as Well as Words
Finally, listening for feelings and words is essential to effective communication. This means paying attention to the person’s body language, tone of voice, and words they are saying. By doing this, you can better understand the person’s true feelings and intentions. Doing this can also help you adjust your preconceived ideas about the other person and create a more open and honest dialogue.
Storytelling, of course.
It’s all about Storytelling 101. Learning to be clear in your storytelling is essential. Knowing what to say before you have to say it is crucial. Let me know if you want help.
Wrapping it up, communication is a complex process that often requires a certain skill level to succeed. However, by following the three steps outlined above – being interested in the person, asking unusual questions, and listening for feeling and words – you can become a great communicator and develop stronger relationships with those around you.
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Sean Buvala has taught and trained public speaking with a deep storytelling focus for decades. He’s always learning something new, too. He does free coaching nearly every Monday Night on FBLive at this shortcut: authoryes.com
#Communication #Relationships #Listening #Questions #Trust #Dialogue #Empathy
