The conversation about connection and communication continues this week.

Why is this conversation important? We will always continue to grow in listening and responding.

Types of Communication

There are two types of communication called verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication and non-verbal communication can be broken down into simple steps.

Verbal Communication

• What we say: The words that actually come out of our mouth. The words will impact everyone who hears the words. This is important to remember.

• How we say It: How we say words begins and ends with our tone. Is the tone warm? sarcastic? angry? sad? joyful? pleasant? Sometimes we may not intend for the listener to feel a certain way when we speak but it is always helpful to reflect on how it sounds. Or, ask the other person for feedback. For the record, this will not be something anyone does perfectly. We are human beings. But, we can continue to grow in the skill of tone.

• What we don’t say: This is what we don’t say or the words between the lines for the listener to pick up on such as, “I am fine.”

Non-Verbal Communication

• What we say with our body: Body language include open behaviors such as talking face to face in a conversation, using eye contact, being present, and having arms at the side rather than crossed.

• What our face says: Facial expressions include eye contact that does not include behaviors such as eye rolling. It also is important to smile or nod as a sign that we are paying attention to the listener.

Communication is a Journey

Keep in mind six principles for communication.

Learn: Learning to listen and not always speaking is an art. It takes time to listen not to respond. Learning other people’s communication style is an ongoing journey throughout a lifetime.

Humility: Humility is apologizing if the other person felt that they were not heard during a conversation. Apologizing and then asking how to respond in a different way next time goes a long way.

Kindness: Kindness is a virtue. It allows the other person to know that they are important and of high value as you listen to them with intent.

Listen: Listening is the ability to hear what a person does say and does not say takes focus.

Awareness: Awareness is to reflect on how we did listen to the other person and how present we were in the conversation.

Mindful: Mindful is intention to be present and really focus on the other person speaking. It takes an awareness of one’s body language and the other person at the same time.

These tips were part of the second part of the Success First speaking engagement.

Enjoy your week. Subscribe to website to get blogs and other resources.

Your voice and your message matter!

Take care,

Dr. Amanda Helman