How To

How to Communicate Effectively

Contributor
By febbraio
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

We communicate every moment of every day through our eyes, our body language, our behavior, our words, our style, our art and our mere presence. There are times when we are more effective communicators and there are times when we are less effective communicators. Most important is communicating what we had intended to communicate, whether we have been understood and whether our communication is reaping the desired outcome.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Goals
  • Patience
  • Self-reflection
  • Listening skills
  • Observation skills
  • Time
  • Well chosen words
  • Courage
  • Flexibility
  1. Step 1

    Practice your communication with the assistance of any tools at hand such as a mirror, a tape recorder, a video camera or another individual.

  2. Step 2

    After using step one as self reflection, modify any behavior, language, body language, facial expressions, choice of words or proximity to the second party.

  3. Step 3

    Engage in your communication session while relaxed, well rested and free of any substances such as alcohol.

  4. Step 4

    With the aid of all your senses, pay close attention to what you have heard and observed. Ask questions, then determine if your communication goal has been met and whether your communication has been received in a manner that facilitates continuing dialog.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use the word "I" more than the word "you."
  • Be sure to be a good listener.
  • Listening can only take place when you are silent.
  • Without self-reflection, only a one-way communication exists.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Relationships & Family
Amanda Ford,

Meet Amanda Ford eHow’s Relationships & Family Expert.

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

eHow Relationships and Family
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family