How To Communicate Effectively

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something” -Plato
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It does not matter if you are sitting across a table from your spouse, or standing in front of a crowd of 500+, each day we must communicate in some capacity. Communication is an area that even the best speakers struggle. We must understand that communication is an area that requires constant development. 

Communication is a vital component to our daily life’s, learning how to be an effective communicator helps us to be better leaders, make better decisions makers and help others unlock their very own potential.

Communicating is so much more than merely opening your mouth and saying words, it is not only about you, but also whoever is on the receiving end of the conversation...​
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START BY THINKING OF THE LISTENEr
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Effective communication starts with listening, when you listen, you make yourself aware of the need of the concern the person/group of people is having. Example being, if you are speaking to an audience of people, you must start by understanding their need. If a company is struggling to keep employees before you give a solution, you must know why they have that struggle, that starts by actively listening. When you listen to the concern or the problem, it not only helps you, but it also allows the listener to know that you hear them. 

Being to ask yourself, what do I have that can help to solve this problem or help this person? When you understand what you have to offer, you can begin to formulate an appropriate response and plan of action. This leads me to my next point...
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BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT
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“We may impress people with our strengths, but we connect with people through our weakness” -Craig Groeschel

When you are formulating an appropriate response, you need to communicate it honestly and transparently. Our weak areas are often the areas that people connect with us the most. Sharing struggles allows others to understand that you are not perfect and they also do not have to be perfect. 

It is our nature to share our successes but sharing how our success may have begun with a failure should not be a taboo topic. Yes, you may have started a successful business, but do not be afraid to talk about the first five you had that failed before that. Share your truth as a way to understand that failure is not an end but rather a beginning for something new. ​

Finally...

Be Confident
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If you are not confident in what you are saying and the knowledge you are offering someone then they will not be able to have confidence in you. Confidence is something we must work on developing, and the journey to confidence is different for all of us. Take the time to learn and grow in your skill so that you can help someone else grow and develop in theirs. (PS I blogged more about confidence here!)
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Confidence is necessary to connection.

Communication is not about always being right; it is about being real. While you may not be the perfect communicator being willing to grow and develop that skill actively will help you succeed in any conversation. Remember great communication leads to great connections.

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Until next time,

Tamika 

Friends, let's talk in the comments. Share any communication tips you have below, let's chat!