While engaging in conversations with friends and co-workers, how often do you feel that the other person has truly heard what you've said?
If you want to succeed in social settings, relationships, and business, one way to ensure your success is to be a great listener.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to help you become a better listener, therefore enhancing your conversation skills.
1. Stop talking.
It sounds very simplistic but if you are constantly talking, how can others express themselves? Make an effort to shift the focus of the conversation to the other person.
Be aware of your own body language. Match the other person's body language by leaning forward when they lean forward, etc.
Attention to small details will give the person you are speaking with a feeling that you truly hear what they are saying and that you are genuinely interested in their opinions.
If you sit with your arms crossed, constantly check your watch, or stare out the window, the person with whom you are speaking will feel that you are distant and disinterested.
2. Pay attention to the tone of your voice.
Even if you are only giving brief answers or asking short questions, the tone of your voice plays a major part in communicating effectively.
If your tone suggests a condescending attitude, boredom, or anger, you will lose your audience and people will no longer want to spend time speaking with you or listening to what you have to say.
A respectful, preferably friendly tone will allow you to communicate efficiently and earn you the respect of others.
3. In order to move the conversation forward, ask questions to clarify or invite additional information.
Questions indicate that you are fully attentive to what is being said and that you have a real interest in the speaker's views.
Give your full attention to the speaker. When you show others that you want to hear them, they will automatically grant you the same courtesy.
Maintain eye contact and always face the speaker. You will be able to express your own views much more effectively if you have the full attention of your audience.
If you give your full attention, you will certainly receive the same in return.
4. Engage in light, pleasant conversation as often as you engage in meaningful, direct conversation.
If you always guide the conversation in the direction of achieving your goal, you will leave the impression of distance and a superior attitude.
You will get a much more favorable response if you relate to others on a personal level as well as in a professional or authoritative manner.
People want to feel appreciated and unique. Make a point to address each person you encounter and do so in a positive, friendly manner. Conversation skills include treating others as you would like to be treated.
Good conversation skills include much more than simply speaking with others. Listening, good body language, questioning, pleasantries, and mutual respect are important elements in any conversation and are also personality traits exhibited by successful people.
You can improve your image and your ability to communicate if you follow these simple guidelines when communicating with others.
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report:10 Simple Steps to Developing Communication Confidence. This report reveals the secret strategies all high achievers use to communicate with charm and impact. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/repo rt.htm
"Within you is the power to change your life"Lately I've... Read More
Five-year-old Katie asked for a coin for her to throw... Read More
The art of conversation is a skill shared by most... Read More
I have finally come to believe something about myself because... Read More
For years it seems as though the secrets to obtaining... Read More
An ideal is not the dream that can never be... Read More
In studying wealth, we learn the power of using our... Read More
Charm did not play a very large role in that... Read More
"Hoy-day! What a sweep of vanity comes this way!" --William... Read More
"The speed of electromagnetic energy signals is 186,000 miles per... Read More
One of our Faculty, Christine Edick, has been the keynote... Read More
We see it and do it enough times to know... Read More
Your mind is so powerful that what you focus on... Read More
Love. You may notice that I made that an entire... Read More
This is a story about a woman we will call... Read More
If we all got everything we wanted, most of us... Read More
If you are looking for a way to improve your... Read More
It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm... Read More
We have all heard this warning: You never get a... Read More
On Valentine's Day, or any romantic interlude, lovers should woo... Read More
When you begin to study feng shui, you quickly realize... Read More
If you have ever traveled across country by train, you... Read More
Not having much luck in love lately? Relationship falling apart?... Read More
During a recent speech, I told the audience that my... Read More
A man is captive within himself. He dwells in a... Read More
This article was written for one purpose:To explain to you... Read More
I did a quick search on the Internet for pheromones.Pheromones... Read More
The power of the mind draws certain events, circumstances and... Read More
These eight success secrets apply to anything you do in... Read More
I've written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with... Read More
This year (2004), I've completed over 64 seminars. And one... Read More
I hear of so many people using affirmations as the... Read More
Millions of people face huge changes in their lives during... Read More
Laws of Attraction are clearly defined. What comes back is... Read More
Do you ever wonder why great things happen to some... Read More
Here is a non-scientific, but fun way to see which... Read More
Inside each one of us there's a seed of greatness,... Read More
"We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience... Read More
So often we hear people ask the question, "Why does... Read More
"You must be willing to do the things today others... Read More
Maybe can be a great place. It's full of possibility,... Read More
Whose life are you living? Are you living your dream... Read More
In the past, I have touched on the connection of... Read More
In the first parts of this series, we introduced the... Read More
Do you express your gratitude enough? I know I don't.... Read More
Our feelings are perceived by means of our sensors, our... Read More
Most of your success in life will come from your... Read More
In studying wealth, we learn the power of using our... Read More
One of the first lessons that "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"... Read More
You don't need a guitar, rock-hard abs, or even a... Read More
Attraction Attraction |