In order to improve my golf game I need to know what needs improvement, right? I need to know where and how I'm positioned correctly or incorrectly, whether my back swing is effective, the speed of my downswing and whether I keep my eye on the ball.
In order to boost our communication skills, we need to be aware of things that need improvement. So, for example...
In order to boost our communication skills, we need to be aware of things that need improvement. So, for example...
1. Do we look people in the eye? We can greatly improve our communication when we address people with direct eye contact and show them that we value them.
2. Do we ask more questions than we give answers? By asking questions, we show the other person that they're important. People generally like to talk about themselves. We become much more interesting to others when we show interest in them.
3. Do we speak positively or negatively? Some people are optimistic and hopeful. Others are pessimistic and dour. I'm afraid more are negative than positive. We may think we're being funny by sacrcastic or negative humor, but it begins to take a toll. Others begin to think of us negatively.
4. Do we try to understand more than to be understood? This timeless expression has so much truth, it's worth emphasizing over and over. As I discuss in my training presentations about communication skills, the point of communication is to "connect." Until you've actually connected and understood the other person, you haven't really communicated.
There are many, many more ways to evaluate our communication. But, these four can get you started. Sit back and reflect. Ask yourself these hard questions and then begin to make the changes you feel will make some real improvements.
Book me to speak at your next event. Follow me on Twitter (@wesbleed).
2. Do we ask more questions than we give answers? By asking questions, we show the other person that they're important. People generally like to talk about themselves. We become much more interesting to others when we show interest in them.
3. Do we speak positively or negatively? Some people are optimistic and hopeful. Others are pessimistic and dour. I'm afraid more are negative than positive. We may think we're being funny by sacrcastic or negative humor, but it begins to take a toll. Others begin to think of us negatively.
4. Do we try to understand more than to be understood? This timeless expression has so much truth, it's worth emphasizing over and over. As I discuss in my training presentations about communication skills, the point of communication is to "connect." Until you've actually connected and understood the other person, you haven't really communicated.
There are many, many more ways to evaluate our communication. But, these four can get you started. Sit back and reflect. Ask yourself these hard questions and then begin to make the changes you feel will make some real improvements.
Book me to speak at your next event. Follow me on Twitter (@wesbleed).
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