Communication is a fundamental aspect of human life, to establish communication with someone both parties need to be actively involved and willing to express their thoughts, idea, feelings, build relationship, understand emotion and intension behind the message passed. Communication involves both verbal, nonverbal, written and visual forms. Having good communication skill can deepen connection with others, build trust, respect, improve team and solve problem.
When communicating the basic element include: the speaker, the message that is passed, medium through which information is conveyed, the receiver of the information and the receiver’s response. How to establish communication with someone effectively is a two-way process in which the sender should clearly express information in a way that the receiver will gain right meaning of what is being said and the receiver of the information listen in a way that makes the speaker feel heard and understood.
Some people have no difficulty in expressing their thought in a clear and respectful way while some may struggle when it comes to communication. Here are some effective methods to establish communication with someone:
1. Confidence
This is an essential skill that should be use when communicating with someone in knowing that you can make valuable contributions to conversation. Learn to speak with others, the more you practice the more confident you will become. Let your personality shine through and allow the other person to get to know the real you. Value yourself and your options. Express negative thoughts in a positive way, be positive that your opinions and feelings can make positive impact as this will boost your confidence. That does not mean you should infringe on the rights of others For example, A simple greeting, a friendly smile, or a casual comment can open the door for further interaction.
2. Be an Active Listener
Make mental note to what the other person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally by maintaining eye contact, avoid interruption, and demonstrate genuine interest by asking question. Most people are more concern about what they are going to say than listening to what others have to say. When people are aware that you are listening to them they become more open with their feeling and thought. As a recipient talk less and listen more to their word, tone and take note of their body language. While listening to information check if you understand the message passed by reflecting on it and ask questions to determine if you are getting the actual message .Also focus fully on the speaker so you can pick up nonverbal cues.
3. Try to Restrict Judgment
When communicating with someone suspend your biases and try to view situation in the person’s perspective instead of being judgmental or criticizing. Well you don’t have to abandon your standard or value, like or agree with their ideas, values, or opinions but to understand different view. Sometimes, this can foster new ideas and connections.
Read Also: How to Become Effective Listener (12 Listening Tips).
4. Use Open-Ended Questions
This is a question that cannot be answered with just yes or no, instead it gather more detailed information and encourage deeper conversation because they will be able to convey their experience and feelings instead of being restricted with a yes or no question. You can make use of interrogative sentence, for instance, what is your take on the future of artificial intelligence? why is it important to give sex education to children? This will allow critical thinking and allow different perspective. This is often use in brainstorming session, survey and interview.
5. Observe Nonverbal Signs
Most times when we speak we make use of body language—which includes gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, voice tones, and breathing as well. Body language can say so much more than a mouthful of words. Don’t contradict your words with nonverbal signs that does not match which can cause confusion. If you say something, but your body language says something else, your listener will feel confused or suspect that you’re being dishonest. So it is better to use nonverbal signals according to the context. The tone of voice, for example, can be different when addressing an adult compare to when addressing a child. Also, emotional state, age, gender, religion and cultural background of the person you’re interacting with should be considered.
6. Be Empathetic and Respectful
To establish communication with someone empathy and respect are important attribute. Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another person while respect is valuing and appreciating others feeling. It is important to respect other people feeling and perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them, respect their opinions and beliefs.
7. Find Mutual Activities
Shared activities are great way to bond. Engage in activities that you both enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, games, fishing, volunteering together, attending event, sport, or shared interest. Participating in shared activities can strengthen your bond and provide opportunities for natural conversation.
8. Don’t be Vague
Express your thoughts and ideas in a clear and straightforward manner to avoid misunderstanding, vague words are ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways, so avoid overly complex language as this might cause problems in home, school, and workplace, between spouse, kids, boss, or coworkers. Ensures that your message is understood accurately and think before you speak to enhance clarity.
9. keep Calm
Make sure you keep stress in check, because when stressed you’re more likely to misread other people, send confusing nonverbal signals. It’s only when you’re in a calm, relaxed state that you’ll be able to know whether the situation requires a response, or whether the other person’s signals indicate it would be better to remain silent.
