You’ll be surprised to know that there is a specific terms used to describe the act of snubbing someone by pretending to be busy on the smartphone – “phubbing”. This word isn’t just slang, but is actually defined in multiple dictionaries and about 45 percent people do this every day. Phubbing has negatively affected how people perceive conversation and this has significantly affected relationships. Even though we know technology has made communication so much easier, it is also important to acknowledge the fact that it has also made in-person conversations awkward and more challenging. Well, you need not worry, we have brought in exactly what you need, some tips and tricks to revamp your communication skills. Read along:
The key to an effective conversation is specificity. It is important to be specific, but not too specific. So, you have to strike the right balance, by not sacrificing clarity and not appearing too condescending as well. If you are not sure if the other person already knows what you are talking about, you could just say, “Please stop me if you already know this.” So, you are over-explaining. In order to set the right tone for your conversation, you could think about audience, their history, their experiences and their level of understanding. You just have to make sure everyone is on the same page, and you could confirm through a question as follow-up.
Getting the body language correct is another important aspect. Crossed arms, leaned back or no eye contact can prove to be negative signs in an interaction. Also, slouching, supporting your head with your hand, or accidental glaring (also known as “resting bitch face” in slang) are big no-nos. If you want to improve this, the only way to do it is by asking for feedback from any of your friends or trusted colleagues. You also need to take this feedback as a learning opportunity towards improving your body language. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, you could work at one thing at a time.
Another important tool of effective communication is listening. Listening helps you discipline yourself and remain accountable. It is rude to scroll through Instagram, when another person is speaking to you, even if you are listening. It just shows that you are not fully engaged or particularly interested. There is no such thing as multitasking when you are communicating.
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