Jan
19
This is the second in a three part series on my blog about communication. This post will briefly cover ten ways to communicate more effectively, not just online and digitally speaking, but throughout life in a variety of avenues.
Be Honest
Be Yourself
This might seem a little (or a lot) like the first post in this series. This concept is so important that it deserves mentioning here. This is the fundamental concept that will make (and keep) you a communicator. The bottom line when it comes to communication is this; no one wants to be lied to. That is as simple as it gets. People want what you genuinely have to say, and that is what they will come back for.
Stop Talking
Stop Talking
The reality of any form of communication is that we all want to say something. There is nothing wrong with this per se, but it is crucial that we take time out of the talking routine in order to listen. Communication is a two-way street, and oftentimes we only want to travel the one way. It’s simple; everyone wants to be heard. But to truly communicate, you have to listen, and cooperatively share ideas.
Interact
Do not be afraid to interact with people. Beyond simple talking/listening, communication consists of many facets. Take for example a dating relationship. If a guy finds out that a girl likes a particular sports team, or genre of movie that they happen to share in common, he takes her to the movie. They interact, and ultimately communicate on that subject. It’s not as simple as verbally communicated thoughts and ideas, but it is not much more complex. Interacting is taking the next step beyond just verbal communication.
That extra touch can add another layer of your personality to your communication
Break the Touch Barrier
This might sound like an awkward bit of advice to some, especially in a professional sense. This is simpler than it seems, however. A simple gesture beyond the common handshake can add another level of interactivity to your communication that will ensure you are remembered as a personable, interactive person. Sometimes something as simple as gently touching someone’s elbow during a handshake, or even just using two hands to shake someone’s hand can make a world of difference in how you come across.
Be Real
While this might seem synonymous with being honest, it is not in a lot of ways. One can be honest without being real. Being real is the true challenge that most people face. Generally speaking, people do not go through life lying to people day in and day out. However, rarely is anyone themselves. When you are real with your audience no matter who it might be, your words, thoughts, and ideas are in some ways automatically validated as a result. One’s actions when lined up with one’s words are many times more effective than the “do as I do, not as I say” routine that people so often tread.
