Effective Communication Skills

One of the biggest things that people need to focus on in this life is communication skill. Without proper communication skill, one is still able to do many things, but they will be destined to do everything alone.

Some people might consider being alone to be a great blessing, but these people tend to be misanthropes - those people that detest others, such as the great Sherlock Holmes’s brother - or perhaps they are too shy and conversing with others is painful and scary for them. But often people want to foster a better communication skill for everything they do: waking up, eating breakfast, communication in relationship, playing poker or hearts, bowling, football, and of course popsicle licking. Communication is an essential part of popsicle licking.

The fact is that it is extremely important to have communication skill. This is the reason why there have been so many books on communication. Books on communication come in all shapes in sizes, from How to Win Friends and Influence People, to Communication in Relationship For Dummies. Of course just reading books on communication will help somewhat, but invariably what one needs to increase their communication skill is to get out into the real world and practice.

I’ve found that the best place to practice the art of conversing is some place where people always gather. Some place such as the super market, the hardware store, or perhaps a library.

One should choose one’s community library in which to practice. Not only do they have people there, but if you start to find yourself unsure of how to properly communicate to someone the sentiment: I think you’re pleasant to look at and will most likely be fun to enjoy a pleasant conversation with on the subject of dried plums & apricots, you can always go check out one of their many books on communication for help.

One of the books on communication is sure to tell you that when saying ‘hello’ to somebody you wish to converse with, it is important to have friendly facial gestures. Proper communication skill dictates that one should have most likely a smile, or a nice simple half-smile on one’s face when saying hello.

However not all smiles are equal. If you smile like either The Joker from Batman or the Cheshire cat, your communication skill practice will most likely end at ‘hello’, and your communication will then (most likely) be followed by the other person practicing their ‘cease communication skill’ mainly the ignore technique. If this happens to you, simply give up, walk away and try another person.

Once you succeed in getting a response to your attempts to open communication, simply follow up your hello by telling them what your name is, hobbies you’re interested in, and perhaps how you feel it is important to cut your toenails every 2 weeks, no more, no less. Be sure to ask the person you’re talking to many different questions. People liked to be asked questions about their life. Subjects such as cheese or your opinion on NASA are generally good topics to stick to while practicing your communication skill. Be sure to steer the topic away from any felonies you’ve committed in the past. Although 99% people have committed felonies, typically they don’t wish to discuss said felonies. To do so would be considered bragging, which is a big ‘no-no’ in the world of communication skill.

by Christian Farmer

Christian Farmer is a content writer for 10xMarketing for more information visit VitalSmarts.