LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Exercise No: 1
ON
Date: 31.08.2015 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

1.1 Introduction to communication skills

Good communication skills are a key to success in life, work and relationships.
Without effective communication, a message can turn into error, misunderstanding,
frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered.

Communication is the process by which we exchange information between

individuals or groups of people.

Communication is successful only when both the sender and the receiver
understand the same information. In today's highly informational and technological
environment it has become increasingly important to have good communication skills.

1.2 Effective communication skills

The following are some of the required skills for effective communication

a) Give them the impression that we’re enthusiastic about talking to them: They
want to feel that one would rather be talking to them than anyone else. When
he/she gives them the impression that he/she is excited about talking to them and
that he/she cares about them, he/she makes them feel better about themselves. As
a result, they’ll be more likely to really open up to him/her.

b) Ask open-ended questions about their interests: Ask questions that will get
them to talk about their interests and their life in a way that provides us with
 insight into their needs and wants. When we help them gain a new, positive
perspective about their situation, they will feel a deep sense of connection with us.

c) Adapt to their body language and feelings: Pay special attention to their
nonverbal communication. Watch their body language and posture, also take note
of their inflection and word choices. Now, tailor our words, body language, and
voice tone to match what we have observed. Doing this will help them feel a deep
subconscious connection with us.

d) Show them approval: Tell them what we admire about them and why. One of
the best ways to instantly connect with people is to be forthright and tell them
exactly why we like or admire them. If being too direct isn’t appropriate,
insinuate with a few indirect statements here and there. Either approach can be
equally as effective because everyone responds well to approval.

e) Listen attentively to everything they say: Don’t focus too much on what we’re
going to say next as they are talking. Instead, listen to every word they say and
respond back as relevantly and smoothly as possible. This shows people that we
are interested in what they have to say and we are fully engaged and in the
moment with them. This will help fill any potentially awkward lapses in
communication.

f) Give them the right amount of eye contact: Eye contact communicates to the
other person that we are not only interested in them and what they have to say, but
that we are also trustworthy. As a result, people will naturally want to pay more
attention to us and what we have to say.

g) Give them encouragement: If the person we’re dealing with is younger or in a

more difficult position than us, they will appreciate any encouragement we can
offer. When we help them feel more confident in their own abilities they will
 value our input. This helps even out the relationship. Convince them that they can
surpass their problems and limitations and they will feel good about connecting
with us.

h) Say their name in a way that is pleasing to their ears: A person’s name is one
of the most emotionally powerful words for them. But how we say it is more
important than how often say it. If we say their name with the right inflection, it
can actually convey a lot of positive feeling directly to their nervous system. If
their name feels good to them when we say it, they will feel bonded to us on a
subconscious level without even knowing why.

i) Offer to take the relationship a step further: There are a number of things we
could do to advance our friendship with someone: offer to eat with them, talk over
a cup of coffee, see a sports game, have a beer or two with them, etc.

1.3 Communication secrets of great leaders

Following are the communication secrets of great leaders

 Speak not with a forked tongue: In most cases, people just won’t open up to
those they don’t trust. When people have a sense a leader is worthy of their
trust they will invest time and take risks in ways they never would if their
leader had a reputation built upon poor character or lack of integrity. Keep in
mind people will forgive many things where trust exists, but will rarely
forgive anything where trust is absent.

 Get personal: Stop issuing corporate communications and begin having

organizational conversations – think dialog not monologue. Here’s the thing –
the more personal and engaging the conversation is the more effective it will
be.

 Get specific: Simple and concise is always better than complicated and
confusing. Time has never been a more precious commodity than it is today.
  Have an open mind: I’ve often said that the rigidity of a closed mind is the
single greatest limiting factor of new opportunities. A leader takes their game
to a whole new level the minute they willingly seek out those who hold
dissenting opinions and opposing positions with the goal not of convincing
them to change their minds, but with the goal of understanding what’s on their
mind.

 Replace ego with empathy: I have long advised leaders not to let their ego
write checks that their talent can’t cash. When candor is communicated with
empathy & caring and not the prideful arrogance of an over inflated ego good
things begin to happen

1.4 Conclusion

Conflict is inevitable in times of rapid change. Effective communication helps one

avoid conflict and minimize its adverse consequences when it does
occur. Communication skills are important if we are to build meaningful relationships
with services users and others. It is especially important that we are able to build these
relationships.
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