Answer:
Effective communication requires a combination of skills including:
Stress management (in the moment)
Appropriate nonverbal communication/Body language
Engaged listening
The capacity to effectively communicate with self-confidence
The ability to identify and understand the emotions of all individuals involved in the communication (including your own)
Nonverbal communication needs to reinforce–not contradict–what is being discussed. When you say one thing and your body portrays another, listeners may feel as if you are not being truthful. For instance, if you begin discussing how happy you are with a staff member’s ability to take a month off and travel the world, but your hands are folded in front of you and you avoid making eye contact, you are speaking one thing and your body is saying the opposite.
Communication requires engaged listening; therefore, planning your next sentence, checking emails and text messages or just thinking about what you want for lunch interferes with your ability to focus. Staying focused from one moment to the next ensures that you do not miss any of the nonverbal cues used during the conversation.
Solutions:
During discussions, concentrate on the here and now.
Let the speaker know you are listening with small gestures like nodding your head or short verbal responses.
Listen for the subtle changes in the speaker’s voice, pay attention to his or her body language and other nonverbal clues. These actions tell you how the person feels and what they are trying to communicate to you.
Whenever you find it difficult to concentrate on a conversation, repeat the words in your head. This will reinforce their message and make it easier for you to remain focused.
Do not interrupt or attempt to redirect the conversation to address your concerns.
Favoring your right ear can help you pick up on the subtle emotional nuances an individual is portraying. This tip works because the right ear is connected to the left side of the brain, which contains the main processing centers for emotions and speech comprehension. Try standing (or sitting) straight with your chin down while tilting your right ear towards the individual speaking.
Explanation:
