Working on your conversational skills can improve your wellbeing as well as your friendships and relationships. Try these simple ways to be a better communicator.
l Slow down and be present. If you find your mind wandering off while somebody else is speaking, bring it back to the moment.
2. Reflect a person’s words back to them. Repeating some of what they’ve said to you in your response shows that you’re listening.
3. Don’t be afraid of silences. Pausing to consider what you’re going to say is a conversational skill, not awkwardness.
4. Use open body language. Leaning towards someone, uncrossing arms, relaxing the facial muscles and maintaining eye contact all give positive signals which make people feel more comfortable.
5. Listening to other people’s conversations will help you to notice when exchanges go well and what makes them go badly.
6. Adapt your style – think about the communication style of the person you’re talking to. If they’re quieter and more reflective, give them more space to reply and be heard. It’s the mirroring trick again.
This advice is taken from our feature ‘Speak Easy’ from our April issue, by Rebecca Frank.
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