“Words are free as air, choose them wisely to please everyone.” This Vietnamese proverb subtly encapsulates the importance of communication skills in life. Indeed, effective communication is like a bridge connecting souls, helping us connect, build, and nurture good relationships with everyone around us. So, what are the essential communication skills that help us “choose words wisely” to “please everyone”?
Questioning skills in social work play a pivotal role in understanding the person you are interacting with.
Listening – The Foundation of Every Conversation
The saying goes, “Speak when you know, listen when you don’t,” highlighting that listening is the first and most crucial step in communication. Listening is not just about hearing sounds but also about understanding the message, emotions, and thoughts of the other person.
Tips for Effective Listening:
- Focus: Put aside your worries and concentrate on the speaker and what they are sharing.
- Observe body language: Facial expressions, eye contact, hand gestures… are all important signals that help us better understand the speaker’s message.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions to clarify points, show interest, and deepen the conversation.
Empathy – The Thread Connecting Souls
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In communication, empathy helps us easily put ourselves in the other person’s shoes, thereby having appropriate responses and building better relationships.
Cultivating Empathy:
- Practice kindness: A warm word or a small gesture of care is enough to warm the other person’s heart.
- Learn to forgive: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes; be tolerant and generous to make relationships stronger.
Body Language – “Words Without Speaking”
Body language is an indispensable part of communication, contributing to conveying messages effectively. According to experts, body language accounts for up to 55% of communication, showing the importance of “words without speaking.”
Using Body Language Effectively:
- Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact shows confidence and respect for the other person.
- Smile: A smile is a magical “medicine” that dispels all distances, creates goodwill, and evokes joy for both the speaker and the listener.
Articulation Skills – The Art of “Choosing Words”
“Think twice before you speak,” expressing yourself clearly, coherently, and understandably is crucial to ensure your message reaches the listener completely.
Practicing Articulation Skills:
- Use appropriate language: Choose words that are appropriate for the person you are communicating with. Avoid using professional or regional jargon when talking to people from different backgrounds.
- Speak fluently: Avoid filler words like “um,” “uh,” repeating words, or using too many filler phrases, as this will distract listeners and make it difficult to grasp the message you want to convey.
Emotional Control – Keeping the “Fire” Within
In communication, we sometimes encounter difficult situations that can easily lead to loss of composure. Emotional control is an important skill that helps us respond skillfully, avoid hurting others, and maintain good relationships.
Tips for Emotional Control:
- Deep breathing: When feeling stressed, take deep breaths to regain composure.
- Pause the conversation: If you feel unable to control your emotions, ask to pause the conversation and find ways to release negative emotions.
Connecting and Nurturing Relationships – “A Moment of Unity is Worth More Than a Mountain of Gold”
Our ancestors often taught, “Learn to eat, learn to speak, learn to wrap, learn to unwrap,” effective communication skills are the key to helping us connect, build, and nurture good relationships with everyone around us. Practice these skills every day to “open hearts,” build meaningful relationships, and achieve many successes in life.
Further Reading:
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