7 Tips For Enhancing Your Communication Skills

7 Tips for Enhancing Your Communication Skills

Here are 7easy ways to improve your communication with yourself and others as communicating successfully with other, is a major contributing factor to our success in life.

One thing to do is communicate with others using positive words, tone and body language. Instead of saying, “We have a problem here”, say instead, “Let’s find a solution to our inquiry”. If the mind focuses on “a problem” it often thinks about all the things that can go wrong. On the other hand if it focuses on a solution it will think about what to do next. Focus on using language that creates an image of what to do and NOT what not to do, as the mind doesn’t recognize negatives such as “don’t”. If you say, “Don’t litter here”. The mind gets an image of putting litter here.

Secondly, beliefs affect how we communicate with others. If we believe that it is important to show people kindness, courtesy, respect and consideration to those we are communicating with, they will be more likely to hear our message. Have faith and see the goodness in people and recognize that people are much more than the behaviors they currently exhibit. Everybody wants to be recognized for his or her achievements.

A third tip is to give constructive feedback that assists employees, clients, students or children to improve their performance. Firstly ask the person what they have done so far in developing the project or assignment and then suggest areas in which to improve based upon criteria rather than subjective statements and do not overwhelm with information. Say to them, “Now where are you going to make some changes?” Make it clear to them that you are discussing changes to their behavior or action that will benefit them and that you are not personally criticizing them. End the session by thanking them for their attempts so far.

Another tip is to use a reframe when confronted with a negative or challenging situation. Take a deep breath, step back from the situation and encourage a different viewpoint by looking at the content or context in a fresh way. At the same time act on the information you are getting from your senses, your sensory acuity. Notice the subtlety in body changes in the lips, eyes, color of hands and feet and breathing patterns. As you adjust your language and posture to suit the situation, ask the person a question such as, “How would you do this if you were in a different situation? Or “What can we learn from this situation?” Use I am statement such as, “I feel…when you…” to resolve conflicts. If a person says to you, “I can’t do this.” Say, “What would happen if you could?”

Use affirmations and positive self-talk to keep your positive, focused and energized. Notice whether you are giving instructions to yourself that are useful or whether you are criticizing yourself. Adopt the practice of using visualizations, where you see the day ahead as being pleasant, harmonious and successful. Adopt an affirmation such as, “I am working in perfect harmony with the universe and those around me”.

A sixth point is to vary language to suit individual needs. Use visual predicates (such as imagine, show, clear), auditory predicates (such as resonate, question, harmonize), and kinesthetic predicates (such as learn, process, consider) so that learners are more likely to receive your message. A student, client or customer is more likely to be a visual processor if they like the like of something and enjoy colors and images.

Body language is very important when communicating with others. We are always communicating even when not speaking. A useful posture developed by Virgina Satir is called "the placater", uses open palms to win over an audience. Another Satir posture is called "the leveller" that is used with palms down to demonstrate calmness.

These 7 points will help to enhance your communication skills. Good luck!