Here’s a quick communication tip, based on my observations of some amazing communicators over the years. All of them shared a common characteristic, which is essential if you want people to REALLY connect with you.
Your undivided attention
In every instance, these masters of communication gave 100% of their attention to the person they were speaking with, whilst they were with that person. They maintained eye contact, nodded in agreement in all the right places and never once looked around the room. They listened a lot, and spoke a little. When they were with that person, they WERE with that person – 100%!
Some of the least effective communicators, like those you often meet at networking events, do the total opposite. You can see them looking over your shoulder for their next networking victim, as they say; “tell me about your business” or “tell me how I can help you.”
Business is all about people
Business is all about people and the way they feel. If we take time to show genuine interest in; our colleagues, our clients, our prospective clients and our contacts etc, we can massively improve our relationships and make business a lot more enjoyable and profitable. Notice I said; “take time to show genuine interest”? I know you are already interested in these people, but just like those expert communicators I mentioned earlier, it’s important to show people clearly we are interested in them and what they have to say. Let them know you are listening, with visual feedback.
What are your communication tips?
There are many ways to improve your communication skills. What communication tips would you like to share with us?
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Photo: Living on impulse
I remember going to get a suit for my old job. I was going to Dubai and needed to look pretty. Normally when I am not at work I dress like a bum. I wear retro t-shirts and shorts even in the winter. My hair is always a mess because if I don’t have to taste hair gel I won’t. So I go in and start looking for a suit. The salesman gave the usual what are you doing in my store wasting my time look. Of course when he found out I was buying 2 suits he was loving me.
Still I will always remember that first look of him wanting to go help the other guy. He got one sale from me because I was too lazy to go to another store. However I will never go back.
The same thing happened when I went to buy my mom a mac. The guy was rude when I kept asking questions.
In both cases it was piss poor sales because when I have money to spend you must be my bitch and at least pretend to care if I buy something or not. I am not rude or anything, I just want to feel like I matter.
Jim – In my opinion, active listening is the most powerful communication tool in the toolbox.
People notice when your mouth is shut and your ears are open. It builds trust and demonstrates integrity.
Great stuff!
The single most important aspect of communication is listening. You learn more, retain more and will have much more to contribute to any conversation if you listen intently to people you’re communicating with. Giving people your undivided attention will also gain you more respect from the person you’re speaking to and from all participants in the conversation. Cheers on a great post Jim.
I’m not necessarily clear on the concept of not knowing what’s going on around you, while you’re communicating with that one person. I see that giving undivided attention gets you that, however, in an open surrounding, things may happen that you need to deal with.
Yes, I have this unnatural fear of being shot in the back, both literally and figuratively. This may be just me….
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