“Effective Communication in Your Business and Everyday Life”
Whether you are beginning your dream business, would like to get along better with your spouse, be a great friend, a better parent or simply reduce stress in your everyday life, effective communication skills are important tools to have in your toolbox.
Eight Effective Communication Skills:
The word between listen and respond is Pause! If you feel like you are going to react or overreact, pause take a small breath and respond. You can also choose to think about what your client or friend said and get back to them the next day.
The best questions start with what, how, where and when. Give up the why question when you can and best to start off with what and how. Questions help you in your business to learn and succeed and show your client that you are listening and interested.
Have you watched the show “Lie to Me” starring Tim Roth on Fox network Wednesday nights? This is a great way to pick up some tips on non verbal communication. It’s all about the body language which includes posture, eye contact, facial expressions. Furthermore it’s about the speed, tone and pitch of the voice. According to studies, what you say is not nearly as important as how you say it. Remember this as you listen to your voice and your clients voice.
These key words work in all business, family and intimate relationships. My life changed when I heard these words in couple’s therapy. How did I make the change? I focused on these words every day and communicated to my husband in this way: “I really appreciate you getting home early tonight and making dinner. I can’t thank you enough”. In the realm of decision making I may say: “This is one of the best decisions you have made to move your business forward. Cheers to you”. You can see how this kind of communication is respectable, acknowledges and shows appreciation.
Choose the word “I” when you can. A sentence that begins with you can give the other person a feeling that they are being attacked. Example: “You didn’t hear me”. Versus “I feel I wasn’t heard. Let me explain it differently”. Example: “You are never on time” versus “Being on time is important to me. I would appreciate that the next time.” Can you hear the difference? Can you sense the responsibility the word I takes on? Empower yourself to take responsibility and create win-win relationships in business and everyday life.
A great story goes a long way! People remember you by your story.
Empathy comes from the heart. When clients feel you understand where they are coming from you gain likeability and credibility. And if you have had a similar experience share that with them so they get that you experienced the same feelings they did. They also feel they are not alone.
Be aware of assumptions and interpretations, especially when communicating via email. If a client isn’t getting it, communicate via phone to clarify.
Any questions or comments? Please email me at andrea@alignmentwithlife.com.
It’s Spring; A time of renewal. Can you feel the energy of promising possibilities? Let’s hop to it!
“Thanks To My Expansive Audience”
“Knowing That All Is Well”
Coach Andrea
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