Although it’s often discussed and seems self-evident, communication is the source of many misunderstandings. The 10 golden tips outlined below are the result of analyses carried out during and after our training sessions in communication, sales, and management. A few simple but insightful principles can greatly facilitate communication. Make the effort to consider them before responding or continuing a conversation, and you’ll notice just how much clearer and more fluid communication becomes, whether in a personal or professional setting.
1/ Show empathy
In conversation, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes proves beneficial. Who is the person I’m speaking to, and how do they think? We know from experience that each person’s point of view is unique. Take the simple game of “what is expensive” — one might answer a €150,000 house, another a €400,000 apartment. This clearly illustrates how different perceptions can be. And there is no right or wrong answer: everyone reacts based on their personal experiences and feelings.
2/ Listen actively
Avoid distractions and genuinely focus on your conversation partner to understand them effectively.
3/ Ask questions
To ensure you’ve understood correctly, ask or re-ask questions whenever needed, until you are sure of what you need to grasp. Only then will you be able to answer their question or continue the conversation meaningfully.
4/ Remain objective
During a conversation, it’s important to stick to the facts, without interpreting or making assumptions. Listening without judging is not always easy, but it truly pays off.
5/ Understand the why
Want to have a constructive exchange? Then try to understand why the person is saying what they’re saying. If you’re trying to read between the lines, it’s essential to assess whether their viewpoints are well-founded and sincere.
6/ Decode non-verbal language
According to research, only 7% of communication is verbal. 38% depends on tone, and the rest is non-verbal — gestures, posture, eye contact… It’s therefore crucial to observe these non-verbal cues and check if they align with the spoken words.
7/ Adapt
It’s best to adapt your communication style to match your conversation partner — in both tone and word choice. A strong mismatch, for instance between a nervous and agitated speaker and a calm and quiet one, hinders communication. This is the essence of true communication synchrony.
8/ Embrace silence
In our experience, people tend to want to fill gaps. Yet silence is just as important as speech: it allows for observation and the chance to rephrase things that might otherwise never have been said. When there’s a pause in conversation, let it be.
9/ Rephrase
To show that you’re following the reasoning of your conversation partner, it can be helpful to rephrase what they’ve said — using their own words — before responding or addressing their concern. That way, you ensure you’re on the same page.
10/ Be assertive
Whatever the context, be yourself — in a constructive and positive way. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, while showing respect and always demonstrating the necessary empathy towards others.
We are convinced that these 10 wise tips will significantly enhance your communication, both in your personal life and in the workplace. These principles may seem logical and obvious, but they remain absolutely essential.
— Marc Diamant
Archetype is deeply involved in topics related to human resources. The company specializes in optimizing human capital in sales, marketing, and management. Through analysis, recruitment, and training, Archetype aims to empower and strengthen individuals, companies, and their departments. Contact us by visiting our website.
