Tips to communicate better
October 24, 2018
By Brian Maynor
Life can be hard enough as it is, but when we aren’t able to communicate effectively we only compound the frustrations.
Whether it’s at work, or not, being a good communicator not only impacts our relationships, it also opens doors and gives us advantages we may never really associate with communicating. For example, building trust, creating closeness, making conflict okay and facilitate the love we long for. So how can we tell if we need to improve our communication skills?
Some of the most common signs of poor communication skills include: constantly interrupting others, excessive multitasking, rambling, constantly using qualifying statements and unchecked body language.
Once we recognize these bad habits, we can begin to address them, but here are also some easy ways we can immediately improve our communication skills while we’re working on them:
1. Stop talking. One of the biggest ways to immediately boost the effectiveness of our communication skills is to stop talking and just listen. When we stop and listen to someone we are able to process what they are saying and respond in a more insightful way.
2. Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the easiest ways to build trust and convey engagement when talking to someone. The adage, “where our eyes go our thoughts go,” is true and when we are looking out the window, down at the floor or off into space when someone is talking to us it shows we aren’t paying attention to what they are saying.
3. Ask questions. It doesn’t matter if we ask for clarification, additional information, or to challenge the assertion, the fact that we asked shows we are not only engaged and invested in what is being said, but that we are also committed to understanding it.
4. Speak confidently. This doesn’t mean simply speaking louder. We can speak softly and still be confident as long as we are clear, direct and open. Speaking confidently isn’t about being right or wrong. It’s about having conviction and confidence in what we are saying.
5. Over communicate. This doesn’t mean we should bombard someone with what we want to say, but often saying something once is not enough. We are all distracted and therefore benefit from reminders and follow-ups.
Improving our communication skills may not get us everything we want in life, but it will certainly help us get more of it, and improve our relationships along the way.
I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
