Communication at its simplest form involves the act of transferring information from one place to another. It is the interaction between two or more people being actively engaged on a certain idea or message that results in a desirable action. However most of the time it’s not what you say that matters most because as human beings we tend to get distract by how the message was being presented.
Therefore how can we convey our ideas and thoughts in the most convincing way possible?
Below are five elements that we need to try incorporating when communicating with another person.
1. Speak With Conviction
What makes people most engaging is their ability to draw us into their world, to open our eyes to things we have never seen before, and to shed new light on certain subjects that do not usually catch our eye.
To be able to speak with conviction we need to first be convinced of the idea we are trying to sell. This can be mastered through thorough reading of the subject and rehearsing our speech
2. Tell A Story
The best way people react to any information is when it is told through stories. In any good story there needs to be a beginning, a middle and a twist. In order for us to really capture our audiences and have their undivided attention there needs to be some kind of information that challenges their pre-conceive notion of the world, to challenge what they already understand, to make them think and to decide whether or not to buy into what we are saying.
3. Be Direct And Genuine
There is a fine line between setting manageable expectations and over selling. Many a time relationships fail –be it personal or in business, because there is a large gap between what was promised and what was actually delivered.
Don't just say things to get a yes, say things with the intention for building a relationship.
4. Watch The Body Language
When meeting face to face with anyone, it is best to put our best foot forward every time all the time. People are more likely to pick up on our body language then they are to concentrate on what we are presenting to them. Therefore whenever we are talking to someone it is best to keep an open stance. On top of that we could also try mirroring the person we are talking to, in order to make the other person feel more comfortable in our presence
5. Value Other People's Opinion
Being an effective communicator also includes the ability to be a good listener. It is no secret that communication usually fails because either one or both parties are only focused on themselves. For the effective transfer of information to happen, there need to be an understanding and good grasp of what is being processed by the other party.
From time to time, ask probing questions for the other party to elaborate further or repeat their points in paraphrase. This shows the other party that we are indeed processing what they are saying and in return the person is more likely to also listen to what we have to say.