How to Be a Better Communicator
Communication can be a real skill if you know just a little bit about the people with whom you're communicating. Being a better communicator is not difficult, but it does take work. Here are some effective ways to be a better communicator.
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Instructions
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Understand your communication style. There are 3 basic communication styles- Aggressive, Passive, and Passive Aggressive. If you don't already know which you identify with, read a book or take an online test to learn which is your communication style. Then find ways to use that to your advantage when dealing with other styles that are unlike your own.
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Listen. You can not communicate well if you do not listen. Note: listening is very different from hearing. Hearing goes in one ear and out the other. Listening involves processing, and absorbing. If you listen well, you can ask clarifying questions to help you understand the other person better and effectually become a better communicator.
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Ask clarifying questions. This means that you confirm that you actually do understand what the other person has said to you. This will sound something like, "So, what I hear you saying is..." or "Just to confirm, it sounds like you mean..." By doing this, you will make sure that you and the other person are on the same page of an issue, and will eliminate miscommunication.
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Mirror the other person's behavior. This does not refer to the children's copy cat game. Mirroring is an effective behavioral communication tool that allows the other person to feel comfortable. If you are at dinner with a friend and they are leaning forward in an attentive way trying to talk to you, but you are slouched down on the chair with your arms folded, they will think you are not interested in what they have to say. If you reflect their behavior, you'll come across as attentive and alert.
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Make attentive gestures. Nod your head, or say "I see" as they talk so that they know you're paying attention. People want to know that you are listening and attentive as they speak.
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