Seven Secrets to Better Communication Skills

Communication is what helps us to connect with others and build relationships, with our family, friends, colleagues and clients. Good communication skills come naturally to some of us, but if you’re nervous about talking to new people, or speaking in front of a group, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve.

These seven practical tips will help you to become a more effective communicator, making it easier to connect with those around you.

  1. Don’t just hear, listen. Learn to pay attention to what other people are saying, instead of thinking about what you want to say next. Cultivate active listening skills, which will make it easier to give others your full attention when they’re speaking. If you listen actively, you’ll be able to respond more constructively.
  2. Be patient. Don’t interrupt the person speaking. Wait until they’re finished before responding. Interrupting isn’t just considered rude, it can distract the speaker and derail the whole conversation.
  3. Avoid “filler” words. Try not to um and ah when you talk, as it will make you sound less confident and less credible. It helps to speak a little more slowly and to pause more often; this might feel awkward at first, but it sounds much less awkward than all those “ums”.
  4. Be aware of non-verbal cues. Body language plays a big role in communication. Make sure that you look the other person or people in the eye when you talk, and when you listen. Pay attention to their body language and your own when you’re having a conversation, to make sure everyone feels involved and engaged.
  5. Focus. Concentrate on one topic at a time during a conversation. You could miss out on valuable information if you think too far ahead, or dwell on past topics. Minimise distractions (noise, electronics etc) so that you can focus fully on the conversation at hand.
  6. Ask the right questions. Avoid asking close-ended questions (those that require simple “yes or no” answers), and ask open-ended questions (which require more detailed answers). Summarise and repeat the other person’s answers back to them, to make sure you’ve understood and clarify anything you might have missed. For example: “So to recap…” or “So what you’re saying is…” This will keep both of you engaged throughout the conversation.
  7. It’s not just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it. Make sure you use the right tone of voice as well as the right words. If you talk about an exciting topic with a dull, unenthusiastic tone, the topic itself will be boring as well.

Good communication is the start of any great relationship. Work on your skills and you’ll reap the rewards in your professional and personal life.

 

Sources

Top 10 Ways to Improve your Communication Skills
Retrieved from https://lifehacker.com/

The Institute for Management Excellence
Retrieved from www.itstime.com

2021-03-18T06:47:53+00:00
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Five Ways to Go Green this Year

February is Environmental Health Awareness Month, so while you’re thinking of ways to spoil your Valentine, it’s important to show the Earth a little extra love as well.

Do your bit to promote a healthier environment, by following these five easy solutions to common pollution problems:

  1. Ban the Bag

The problem: Many of us load up on plastic shopping bags every time we take a trip to the store, and don’t even think to reuse them once before throwing them away. No wonder these packets have become a pollutant plague to our parks, beaches and other beautiful natural spaces.

The solution: Use canvas or paper shopping bags instead of plastic bags. Choose convenient, lightweight bags that you can easily fold up and carry around. If you get caught without your reusable bags and have to use plastic, be sure to reuse that plastic bag as much as you can before you toss it.

  1. Start Composting

The problem: Food is biodegradable, so it should be safe to throw away, right? Wrong! Household food waste is a growing issue, with more and more discarded food in our landfills fuelling the production of methane and carbon dioxide – bad news for the environment.

The solution: Instead of tossing out your food scraps and leftovers, compost them. You’ll be cutting right down on household waste, and creating an affordable, effective source of nutrients for your garden at the same time. This is a good opportunity to start growing some of your own garden-fresh goodies!

  1. Ditch the Bottle

The problem: The disposable plastic bottle is another common item that ends up in the rubbish dump after just one use. Not only are plastic bottles pollutants, they’re also filled with potentially dangerous chemicals (like BPA) which leach out as the plastic starts to break down.

The solution: Get a snazzy reusable (glass or stainless steel) drinking bottle to carry your favourite refreshments with you to the office or the gym. A reusable bottle is better for the planet and safer for your health – plus it’s designed to last for many years, saving you money in the long run.

  1. Shop Local

The problem: Big chain stores are convenient shopping destinations, but they also have a significant impact on the environment. These stores require a lot of transportation for their goods, resulting in a high level of carbon emissions.

The solution: Instead of shopping at large national chain stores, support smaller local businesses as often as you can. These businesses typically use fewer resources (land, water, transportation etc), which means lower carbon emissions. Buying locally grown produce helps to support local farmers, and shopping with locally owned businesses will strengthen your local economy.

  1. Say No to Straws

The problem: Plastic drinking straws are yet another huge source of pollution, especially in the oceans. Straws are among the top 10 most common litter items picked up during costal cleanups. What’s more, they’re completely unnecessary! You’ll typically use a straw for just a few minutes before binning it.

The solution: Start saying no to plastic straws this year. Ordering your drinks without straws is one small habit that contributes to a big difference for the planet. You can also get on board with the eco-chic crowd, and invest in your own reusable straw from a local sustainable brand. There are so many stylish options out there, made with materials like glass, stainless steel or biodegradable bamboo.

These simple changes will turn you into an environmental health hero before the year is over!

 

Sources

Rethink the Bag
Retrieved from http://www.aquarium.co.za/rethinkthebag

Strawless Ocean
Retrieved from https://www.strawlessocean.org/faq/

Ban the Bottle
Retrieved from www.banthebottle.net

Why should I compost?
Retrieved from http://greenactioncentre.ca/reduce-your-waste/why-should-i-compost/

2021-04-08T15:30:51+00:00
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The information and content provided by LifeAssist on this website and/ or articles is for general informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or clinical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Therefore, consult an expert for professional advice.

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