September 6th, 2021
by Kim Myles
1. Speak With Purpose
It’s not what you say; it’s why you say it. Ask yourself, “What purpose does my message serve to others?” An effective communicator uses speech to garner action or reactions from others. Is your intention to rile or soothe in your communications? It is important to be aware of how your words affect others.
Setting your intentions before a conversation, if possible, can help you keep the focus on your message. If you don’t intend to rile others, avoid using offensive, demeaning, or hateful speech. Try to use speech or words that are only in alignment with your purpose.
“Effective Communication depends on the intent and expression of our thoughts. How we convey our thoughts on an external level can influence another’s internal understanding.“
Can We Talk? Your Guide to Effective Communications by Understanding Your Mercury Sign by Kim Myles
2. Listen Up!
Sometimes, we may want to interrupt, dispute, add to, or ignore, when others are talking. But it’s not possible to hear effectively what someone is saying if you are speaking at the same time. You may miss critical or useful information if you don’t take the time to hear what others are saying.
A message can’t be heard if it falls on deaf ears.
Communication is a two-way street. It’s okay to contribute to a conversation, but taking over one can make it one-sided. Listening skills are integral to effective communications.
3. The Tone of Your Voice Impacts the Tone of Your Conversations
The tone of your voice carries significant influence. Understanding how voice tonality & inflections impact speech can make your communications more effective. It conveys emotions or lack of. Voice tone plays a major role in outcomes of communications, too.
For instance, if you want to persuade individuals into action or movement, upbeat and firm tones are effective. To draw interest, avoid detached or dull tones. Also, it’s helpful to keep your voice calm to de-escalate heated-debates.
4. Body Language Says Alot
Your body language can affect communications a great deal. It can speak volumes about a person, even if they’re not talking. It may give away information, such as if an individual is nervous, agitated, open or impatient. Awareness of body language is important when communicating with others.
Some people use their hands when they speak. Others may move their bodies. Sometimes less is more. Excessive body language can be distracting. For example, fist pounding, hand clapping or finger-pointing. Alternatively, it can help to emphasize your points. Think of certain body language as quotation marks at the end of your verbal sentences. Use sparily.
5. Use Your Personal Communication Style to Your Advantage
Understanding your personal communication style can help you be more effective in your communications. Do you use diplomacy to get your points across? Aggression? Do you communicate from a place of logic or emotions? When you understand your own communication style, you can help others to better understand you. Relatability goes a long way. People will respond based on how you connect with them.
Depending on the audience, you can figure out what works or doesn’t. Look for clues in your conversations. Be aware of how your communication style affects your family, friends, or partners. Are others interested in what you have to say? Do they hang on your every word?
Capturing the minds and attention of your audience is effective communication. In addition, the intention and expression of your thoughts will determine your audience. You attract what you speak. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Good listening skills shows a willingness to connect with others. Getting your point across to others doesn’t have to be hard if you keep these tips in mind.
For more information on improving your communication skills, please check out Can We Talk? Your Guide to Effective Communications by Understanding Your Mercury Sign by Kim Myles on Amazon. (Link below)
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