The way we communicate with others affects every aspect of our life. No one is born a great communicator, and there's always room for improvement, even for excellent communicators!
I've found that Great communicators practice and understand:
Listening before speaking - Good communicators are more interested in hearing what the other person has to say, as opposed to prioritising their own opinion or voice in the conversation. Tuning into what is on the other person’s mind helps create rapport, empathy, understanding and connection.
Authentic and genuine - Coming across as authentic and genuine can't be faked, by definition. Good communicators are unafraid to express themselves wholeheartedly.
Tuning into the other person’s feeling state - Most good communicators are also highly empathetic. They know that every person’s point of view is conveyed through their current emotional state of mind and heart. By recognising (and feeling) the emotional state that the other person is speaking from, they are able to better understand their point of view.
Taking time - Understanding that sometimes it is better to take a few minutes / hours / days to reflect about what it is you’d like to express, is key to being a good communicator. Great insights arise when we allow them to “fully cook”.
Holding difficult conversations - It is natural to shy away from difficult topics or conversations. However, great communicators know that being unable to honestly discuss difficult topics can lead to shadow-sides, passive-aggressiveness and resentment. They think deeply about the topic at hand, devise a strategy for discussing it, and approach the issue with a calm, present and decisive mind.
Juggling different Points of View - We each have our own unique view and perspective. What separates great communicators from most people, is that they are able to simultaneously understand several perspectives other than their own. This helps them to negotiate many complex business and personal situations, which require a greater capacity to understand others.
Patient & Collected - Great communicators understand that timing can be everything, and so they are able to patiently await for the right time to talk about a subject at hand, without acting impulsively, or speaking at an inappropriate time.
Maintaining the Value of words - They understand that every time that they do not live up to their words, trust decreases. They make sure to stand behind their words at all times to all people, or acknowledge and genuinely apologise for cases in which they were not able to.
Knowing what NOT to say - Knowing what not to say is an important aspect of being a good communicator. Many things are better left unsaid. It is almost instinctual human behaviour to gossip, for example. However, a good communicator understands what they should keep to themselves.
What do you think makes a great communicator?