Effective communication is about more than just exchanging information. It’s about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. As well as being able to clearly convey a message, you need to also listen in a way that gains the full meaning of what’s being said and makes the other person feel heard and understood.
Skill 1: Become an engaged listener
Skill 2: Pay attention to nonverbal signals
Skill 3: Keep stress in check
Skill 4: Assert yourself
Common barriers to effective communication:
- Stress and out-of-control emotion
- Lack of focus
- Inconsistent body language
- Negative body language