Effective communication doesn’t have to be complicated. Indeed, the following list contains basic advice available to all of us in verbal and non-verbal situations:
Maintain eye contact.
The speaker needs to know that the listener is engaged in what is being said, and the listener wants to be assured that the speaker is engaged in what he is saying to his audience.
Maintain appropriate body language.
Consider whether the non-verbal techniques could confuse, promote, or negate the message. For example, shaking your head, nodding, smiling, leaning forward, leaning back, and the way you sit or stand while speaking can change the tone and even the content of the message.
Use the names of the people.
When a group is small enough, using someone’s name can start and maintain a rapport while building a sense of belonging.
One person speaks at a time.
This can be supported by using a “talking stick” (only the person in possession can speak) or by making an agreement in advance not to interrupt or talk to each other.
Use personal pronouns.
When feelings or beliefs are discussed, try using the “I” and “we” to make those beliefs personal to the speaker.
Address group issues early.
When a problem has arisen that may affect communication, resolve it as soon as possible.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
Listen to what is being said and ask questions to eliminate the uncertainty. Only then can you put forward your points of view or your answers.
Ask open-ended questions.
Ask questions that encourage other person and he/she opens up.
Be honest.
We are very good at detecting when someone is less than truthful; be open and honest in what you say.
Use appropriate language.
Speak using simple languages so that the person could understand it.
