An important life skill to have is being able to communicate effectively. Modern communication methods of texting, tweeting, hashtags, and social media posting mean we don’t put much effort into communicating anymore. If you’d like to be able to have better conversations in your social life, or be a more effective communicator at work, here are some tips to help you.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

The way you’re sitting, and many other non-verbal cues can give far more away than you think. You say you’re open to discussion but you’re sitting with your arms crossed, for example. Not looking up from your phone when someone is talking to you is a sure-fire sign that you’re not really listening.

Have a Plan

Not many people have mastered the art of small talk and if you’re one of them you’re going to need to make a plan. Think about topics you want to discuss, and this will help you to avoid those awkward silences. Good topics to talk about include family, occupation, and dreams.

Tell a Story

A story can be a very powerful way to communicate. It has become the most popular marketing strategy in the world of business because they activate our brains and are more persuasive.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

When you want to be an effective communicator, you need to be asking open-ended questions and this will open up the discussion. To show a person you’re interested in what they’ve been saying practice repeating the last few words they’ve said. This also helps to clarify points that could have been misunderstood.

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