4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills
Do you find yourself getting in arguments over trivial matters? Do you have a hard time getting your point across to others, without negative feedback? Do you have difficulty handling complaints at work? If so, you are not alone - here are four simple ways to improve your communication skills to make life easier for you, at home, work, or in the world in general.
Be pleasant and respectful
People like helping someone who is positive to be around.
Say please, thank you, and you’re welcome.
Do not be afraid to take responsibility and say “I’m sorry,” either, if you have done something wrong.
2. Be aware of nonverbal communication
Makes up most of general communication.
Examples of body language:
Having your arms crossed indicates defensiveness.
Making eye contact shows respect and understanding.
3. Give constructive criticism
To alleviate defensiveness, try sandwiching constructive criticism between compliments.
Example: “I really like the work you’ve done on this project” . . . “Do you think you could replace this picture with this photograph?” . . . “You’ve done an excellent job overall.”
4. Offer peaceful conflict resolution
When handling conflict, try to reflect and empathize first. Let the person know you understand his or her problem. Then, offer ways to help, such as by offering solutions, or, at work, taking the issue to a manager or supervisor.
Personal experience
When I was working as a program director at a community center, a concerned parent confronted me in the front entrance, criticizing the work we were doing with the youth. Rather than get caught up in an argument in from of everyone, I listened to her complaint, and to let her know I took her seriously, I offered to have an appointment with her to discuss the issue later on. The parent was amiable with this suggestion, and we met later, under calmer circumstances, to work on her recommendations, and she even became a helpful volunteer at the community center.
With these four simple methods of bettering your communication skills, you are now ready to form healthier relationships, and accomplish more at work. You will also be able to handle conflicts in general. Hopefully, this will help you to have a more fulfilling lifestyle, and help others more easily, as well.