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Communications Skills Add Value by: Pat Morgan Want to uncover a success secret that can lead to more happiness, help you to be more effective in your work, enable you to make more money and to be more fulfilled? Sound too good to be true? The secret.... polishing your communication skills! This secret can help you improve performance, relationships and achieve more happiness and fulfillment. Four Tips for Improving Communication... 1. LISTEN. A wise person once told me that we have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we talk. That got my attention. It sounds so simple, but how many times are you engaged in conversation and are not really listening? Your mind is on your next meeting, client, project, dinner, kids or maybe you're just busy thinking about the next thing you're going to say when the speaker takes a breath. In any event, listening is a skill that can be improved. Ask yourself: Do I listen twice as much as I speak? Do I need to improve my listening skills? 2. BE RESPECTFUL. Even in situations where communication may be difficult, treating the other person with respect allows more open and constructive exchange of opinions and ideas. Ask yourself: Am I respectful when communicating with others? 3. RESPOND RATHER THAN REACT. Watch your emotions. If what the speaker is saying creates an emotional response in you, listen extra carefully with attention to the intention and full meaning of their words. When we are angry, frightened or upset, we often miss critical parts of what is being said. Be slow to disagree, criticize or argue. Even if you disagree, let them have their point of view. If you respond in a way that makes the other person defensive, even if you 'win' the argument, you may lose something far more valuable. Ask yourself: Do I react rather than respond? 4. IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS. If you find yourself unable to express your thoughts effectively with co-workers, clients, your partner or family, perhaps you would benefit from working with a professional who can help you clarify and develop language to more clearly express yourself. Ask yourself: Who will I ask to help me improve my communication skills? Think about it... Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Fun Fact: We listen at 125-250 words per minute, but think at 1000-3000 words per minute. Quotable Quotes 'Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.' ~ Karl Menninger 'Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.' ~ Jim Rohn About The Author Pat Morgan, MBA and Professional Coach, has 10 years experience helping teams manage organizational and cultural change. As President of Smooth Sailing, she supports individuals and organizations in managing change, improving performance and achieving excellence both professionally and personally. She has created and led workshops and seminars for organizations such as: the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Rotary International. coach@chartingthecourse.biz This article was posted on June '02
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