TEN STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS

Effective communication is vital for any relationship, business or personal.  Good communicators have little trouble in building trust and establishing rapport with those with whom they are communicating.

Let's start with preparing to communicate.  First of all is the setting.  Depending on the nature of your meeting, it should be a quiet location, free from distractions.  If you are in a public place find a table away from traffic flow and people.  Secondly, is your personal preparation.  Have an objective in mind.  It may be to get to know the person better or to try to find a problem the you can help them solve.  It may be several different reasons.  Thirdly, have an outline of what you want together, however don't let your agenda get in the way of effective communication. 

Once you are at your meeting, here are some successful habits you should develop to enhance your conversation and communication skills.

1. Sincerely listen - pay attention when others are talking; it tells others that you are truly interested in them.  Ask questions about what they are saying.  Think about what they are saying.  Remember, people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.  Listening is one way to demonstrate that you car about them.

2. Pay compliments - this is a great way to get a conversation started and make someone feel good.  There is something special about everyone - it is our job to find it out and make that person feel special.  Make sure that your compliment is sincere. 

3.  Remember names.  When you forget others' names, this tells them they are not that important to you.  People like to hear their names.  Help people to remember your name by occasionally using it in a sentence.  For example, "I said to myself, Rich................."   

4.  Maintain eye contact - it is rude to look away when someone is talking to you.  However, don't stare at them.  Make sure you focus on them.  If you look away, look up or look down.  Don't watch other people when you are supposed to be interested in the person you are talking to. 

5.  Remember common interests so you can reference them in future conversations.  Make notes after the conversation ends about things they like and dislike.  Take special note of fears and concerns that they may have.  A couple of years ago, my mother was very ill.  It made me feel valued when someone would ask how my mother was.

6.  Exhibit positive body language - this speaks volumes regarding how you really feel about what the other person is telling you.  Nod your head in agreement, or if they are expressing something negative shake you head.  Use hand gestures. 

7.  Always be up to date on current events to use in conversation - this gives you something to discuss other than yourself.  However don't try to use the conversation to push your religious or political agenda-unless they specifically ask about your viewpoint.

8.  Do not interrupt or monopolize the conversation.  Refrain from telling long stories or dragging out details.  Remember when telling a story, have an interesting introduction, a strong closing and make sure they are close together!

10.  Follow up! Follow up! Follow up!  Keep your commitments and promises, on a timely basis.   This is the key to building relationships with others.