15 Things That You Can Master to Become a Better Communicator
By: Al Pallino
Tags: Communications Strategy, Communication Skills, How To Talk To Anyone, Communication

15 Things That You Can Master to Become a Better Communicator Al Pallino Jun 17·4 min read

The book, “How to talk to anyone” shows some effective communication techniques to help you become better and comfortable talking to people. Whether it is a casual talk or a professional talk, you need to know what to say and you need to know when to say it. So here are the 15 tips you can use to make you a better communicator.

1. A natural-looking smile and good posture are the main ingredients for a good first impression

People talk to each other if they feel comfortable. You wouldn’t have a conversation with someone, who makes you feel uncomfortable or gives you the impression of someone who will make you feel uncomfortable. So it is important how we are perceived by others when we first meet them. If their first impression of us is good, then they will stay and talk. If not, they will find an excuse to run away.

2. The smooth introduction leads to good conversation

To get a good conversation started, all you need is a starting point. In most cases, a good introduction is all you need. You can ask a mutual friend to help you with that.

3. Eavesdropping can help you join a conversation

Although we’ve been told that eavesdropping can be rude, it can be quite helpful at a party or a networking event. Be brave to join a conversation by saying ‘excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear …’

4. Make the other person feel like you are similar

When you mirror a similar style to others, they will feel comfortable talking and engaging with you. It will make you more familiar and make you feel like part of the group.

5. Improve your small talking skills

Don’t just give one-word answers, be prepared to elaborate. What are the interesting facts about where you are from, what you do, etc?

6. Let others talk

Just like you, the others also like to talk about themselves, so give them a chance to talk. Be a good listener. Show them that you are a good listener and you’re paying attention to what they say. Highlight their strengths to others.

7. Don’t start confessing

Leave this to more closer friends. Don’t start confessing something personal and reveal your weaknesses when you just met someone. They might start asking themselves what other things you are hiding.

8. Know how to acknowledge

‘Yeps’ and ‘Ahas’ are not the proper way to acknowledge what the other person is saying. If you want them to carry on talking to you, you need to acknowledge them properly, such as. ‘I see why you did that, ‘That was the right thing to do’. It shows that you are interested and paying attention.

9. Use praises wisely and be specific

Although praises are a good way to encourage and motivate others, they can also backfire. When people hear the same praise often, it loses its meaning. You need to use the praises at the right time and be very specific about what it is for.

10. Let people get it all out of their system

Sometimes the best way you can help and support others is by just being quiet and listening. This will allow them to share how they feel and feel better.

11. Don’t take over the conversation after an interruption

Remember whose turn it was. When someone is in the middle of telling you something, let them carry on after any sort of interruption. It would be even nicer if you could remember what they were saying and let them carry on. For example “You were explaining to me about your diving trip, please carry on …”

12. Have the right expression on your face

Don’t deliver good news with a miserable face and also don’t deliver bad news with a smile. Have the right posture and facial gestures.

13. Don’t ASS-U-M-E

Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Just because someone is smiling, that doesn’t mean they are happy. Just because they looked at you funny, they mean anything bad.

14. Remember their name and what they say

Remembering people’s names is extremely important. But remembering their name along with the things they told you previously is priceless. “You are John, right? You told me about the holiday you were planning, how did it go?”

15. Remember that people cannot see you in the voice calls

Your hand expressions, your head nodding is just a waste of energy as people cannot see you. If you are agreeing with something, make sure the person on the other side of the line hears it.

Final Say

We live in a world where communication with others is crucial. Knowing how to communicate effectively is a powerful skill to have. By having the right technique, you will feel more confident talking to others. Just like every new habit, you will need some time and practice to get better at these.

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