Communication: How to Improve Relationships in Your Life
Communication is more than just talking.
To be a great communicator, you must not only express your thoughts and feelings successfully, you must also listen intently with others. Listening to individuals as they speak makes them feel important, cared for, and equal to you. In a marriage, communication is a bridge leading to greater intimacy, but only if it is built properly between the husband and wife. If you are a parent, your superior skills in respect to listening and expressing yourself supply your children with an example to follow as well as build their self-esteem and confidence.
When you are taking part in a conversation, whether it is important or small talk, make sure you are facing the speaker if possible.
Sitting straight or leaning slightly towards the speaker is a visual sign that you are intent on what they are saying. Maintaining eye contact is vital as well. It tells the speaker you not allowing the distractions that may be present in your surroundings to grab your attention. If the discussion centers around something that is very significant, try to avoid speaking in the car or public place. These environments can make it difficult to give the conversation your complete focus.
During the conversation, do not EVER interrupt the other person.
It is important, however, to give visual and verbal signals that you are listening. Feel free to nod every so often and allow you face to express your emotion. Some people stick with murmuring "uh-huh" every few minutes while other choose single word responses such as "Really" and "okay". Depending on who you are speaking to, you may get the person to share more if you prompt them directly. "What happened next?" is a great example of this. Remember, use open-ended questions.
When listening to another person, do not allow your own mind to distract you.
Do not focus so much on planning your next sentence that you miss what the individual is saying. Once the speaker makes their point, you can take a moment to arrange your thoughts. Do not let your mind wander as well. Even if you think you can avoid showing it on your face, thinking about other things during a conversation is disrespectful and deceitful.
Through great communication, which includes listening to others and expressing yourself in a respectful manner, you can form strong bonds with your coworkers, friends, and family. Learning how to improve relationships in your life does not have to be difficult. By actively seeking to apply to above advice, you will quickly see your relationships with other change for the better.