Although much discussed and seemingly self-evident, communication is a source of numerous misunderstandings. The 10 golden tips presented below are the result of analyses conducted during and at the end of our training programmes in communication, sales or management. A few simple but wise principles help to facilitate communication considerably. Make an effort to take them into consideration before formulating a response or continuing an interview, and you will notice how communication becomes clearer and more fluid, whether in a private or professional environment.
1/ Show empathy
During a conversation, positioning yourself in your interlocutor’s perspective proves beneficial. Who is the person I am speaking to and what is their way of thinking? We know from experience that each person’s point of view is unique. If we try the little game of “what is expensive”, one will answer a house at €150,000, another a flat at €400,000. This easily illustrates how great differences in perception can be. Yet there is neither a right nor a wrong answer: everyone reacts according to their experience and their feelings.
2/ Listen actively
Not allowing yourself to be distracted and truly paying attention to your interlocutor helps you to understand them effectively.
3/ Question
To be certain you have understood correctly, ask or ask again questions when you deem it necessary, until you know exactly what you wish to understand. Only then are you able to answer their question or continue the interview.
4/ Remain objective
During an interview, it is important to stick to the facts, without seeking to interpret or assume certain things. Listening without judging is not always easy, but it proves worthwhile.
5/ Understand the why
Do you want to conduct a constructive interview? Then try to understand why the interlocutor is saying these things. If one seeks to read between the lines, it is necessary to assess correctly whether the points of view are well-founded and sincere.
6/ Decipher non-verbal language
According to surveys, it would appear that communication consists of only 7% words. 38% depends on tone and all the rest on non-verbal language! That is to say gestures, attitude, eye contact… It is therefore important to observe these non-verbal signals correctly and to verify whether they are consistent with the words of the discourse.
7/ Adapt
It is preferable to adapt your communication to that of your interlocutor, both in terms of tone and choice of words. Obvious gaps, for example between an agitated and nervous discourse on the one hand, discreet and calm on the other, hinder communication; this is synchronism par excellence in communication.
8/ Accept silences
From experience, we know that people tend to want to fill the voids. But silences are just as important as words: they allow one to observe and rephrase things that, without them, might never have been said. In the presence of a pause during a conversation, let it persist.
9/ Rephrase
To show that you are following your interlocutor’s reasoning, it can be useful to rephrase what they have said, using their own words, before responding to it or handling their objection. You are thus certain to be on the right track.
10/ Demonstrate assertiveness
Whatever the type of communication, be yourself, in a constructive and positive way. Therefore do not be afraid to express your opinion, showing respect for your interlocutors, and always demonstrating the necessary empathy beforehand.
We are convinced that these 10 wise tips will help to improve your communication significantly, both in your private life and in your work environment. These rules may seem logical and obvious, admittedly, but they are nonetheless essential.
– Marc Diamant
To go further on learning more about Archetype.
