Question

What are 3 to 4 examples of effective communication and listening skills? What makes these skills effective?

Answer 1

• Effective communication skills are fundamental to success in many aspects of life.Effective communication is a key interpersonal skill and learning how we can improve our communication has many benefits.
• Communication is a two way process, so improving communication involves both how we send and receive messages.
• One of the most important skill for effective communication is active listening.Its important to be a good listener to be good communicator.There is difference between listening and hearing.Listening is actively paying attention to not just verbal messages but non verbal messages as well.Use the techniques of clarification and reflection to confirm what the other person has said and avoid any confusion.
• Examples of non-verbal signals include tone of voice, eye contact, facial expressions, silence and hand, arm and leg postures.
• Empathy is another effective communication skill.The ability to understand what the other person is saying by putting yourself in their position is extermely important to be a good communicator.
• Empathy is trying to see things from the point-of-view of others. When communicating with others, not being judgemental or biased by preconceived ideas or beliefs - instead viewing situations and responses from the other person’s perspective. Staying in tune with your own emotions to help enable you to understand the emotions of others is and effective communication skill.
• Having emotional intelligence and being aware of others emotions is another skill.Be sympathetic to other people's misfortunes and congratulate their positive landmarks. To do this you need to be aware of what is going on in other people’s lives. Make and maintain eye contact and use first names where appropriate. Do not be afraid to ask others for their opinions as this will help to make them feel valued.
  
• Being clear and concise in whatever you communicate is also important.When speaking being extremely clear and articulate and being less is more when speaking rather than beating around the bush and creating confusion will not lead to the message being delivered correctly.Speaking plain simple english always works which can be easily understood.
• Also if one needs to be an effective listener,attention is important,maintaining eye contact with other person,paraphrasing what the other person is saying so that they know you are listening,do not interrupt others when they are speaking and trying to keep an open mind when reflecting upon what others are saying.
• Brief verbal affirmations like “I see,” “I know,” “Sure,” “Thank you,” or “I understand.” can be used.
• Examples-Paraphrasing: “So, you are saying that the uncertainty about who will be your new supervisor is creating stress for you.” “So, you think that we need to build up our social media marketing efforts.”  
• Waiting to Disclose Your Opinion: “Tell me more about your proposal to reorganize the department.” “Can you please provide some history for me regarding your relationship with your former business partner?”
• Brief Verbal Affirmation: “I understand that you would like more frequent feedback about your performance.” “Thank you. I appreciate your time in speaking to me.”