COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION SKILLS
TALK SHOWS:
Love them or hate them, talk shows are a way of life in contemporary society. They began as a way to discuss news and topical information in a substantive way, but like many other television formats, they eventually devolved in sensationalist demagoguery. Some talk shows continue to aspire to the very highest standards, and others, while infantile, at least present entertaining subjects in a harmless fashion
Things are different when speaking to a group than when speaking one-on-one.
Special skills are needed to handle personal conversations.
Sometimes listening often gives you the advantage over speaking.
• LISTEN MORE THAN YOU SPEAK:
The art of good conversation is to let the other person do most of the talking. Ask questions and note the answers.
• GET YOUR AUDIENCE TO DRAW "NATURAL" CONCLUSIONS.
Through the process of information exchange and the prompting of key questions, it is possible to have your audience draw the conclusions you desire them to come to.
• DON'T LET PERSONAL WEAKNESSES OR BIASES SHOW.
Everybody loves a winner, and weaknesses, though natural, detract from the winning image you are creating. Avoid the use of self-deprecating comments or language that indirectly or directly puts you in a down position. Never affirm a negative.
• USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE
Express negative messages in a positive manner. How you say it is as important as what you say.
• MAKE CONNECTIONS THAT YOU CAN REFER TO
Even if the connections are distant, you can use them to command attention and steer the conversation. Having met someone influential, gone somewhere special, or experienced something connected to the conversation gives you a relaxed command of the situation and establishes a communication link between you and others.
• USE POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE
Lean forward and nod positively to indicate your feelings of compassion, understanding, and encouragement to continue the conversation.
• ASK OPINIONS AND ADVICE
To be asked for one's opinion or advice is viewed as an honor. Thus, to ask someone for his opinion is to bestow some level of honor upon him.
• USE "WE" RATHER THAN "I".
"We" is an inclusive concept that indicates the representation. "We" also avoids the trap of talking about yourself, because it inherently implies the inclusion of others. When talking about a problem or conflict, never use the words you or your, which suggest finger pointing, and will therefore raise defenses in the other person.
HOW TO CONVEY A MESSAGE
Things to keep in mind while conveying a message
• Time
• Clarity
• Consciousness
• Accuracy
• Sincerity
• Positiveness
• Vividness
HOW TO KILL A MESSAGE.
When you are speaking to a person or group, whether it is professional or personal, there are several things you want to avoid that will kill your message.
• Talking about yourself / Bragging
• Using too much technical jargon
• Talking down to your audience
• Making it hard to hear or see your message
• Making claims that are unbelievable
• Presenting your topic from your point of view only
• Appearing messy, dull, or unorganized
ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION SKILLS
TALK SHOWS:
Love them or hate them, talk shows are a way of life in contemporary society. They began as a way to discuss news and topical information in a substantive way, but like many other television formats, they eventually devolved in sensationalist demagoguery. Some talk shows continue to aspire to the very highest standards, and others, while infantile, at least present entertaining subjects in a harmless fashion
Things are different when speaking to a group than when speaking one-on-one.
Special skills are needed to handle personal conversations.
Sometimes listening often gives you the advantage over speaking.
• LISTEN MORE THAN YOU SPEAK:
The art of good conversation is to let the other person do most of the talking. Ask questions and note the answers.
• GET YOUR AUDIENCE TO DRAW "NATURAL" CONCLUSIONS.
Through the process of information exchange and the prompting of key questions, it is possible to have your audience draw the conclusions you desire them to come to.
• DON'T LET PERSONAL WEAKNESSES OR BIASES SHOW.
Everybody loves a winner, and weaknesses, though natural, detract from the winning image you are creating. Avoid the use of self-deprecating comments or language that indirectly or directly puts you in a down position. Never affirm a negative.
• USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE
Express negative messages in a positive manner. How you say it is as important as what you say.
• MAKE CONNECTIONS THAT YOU CAN REFER TO
Even if the connections are distant, you can use them to command attention and steer the conversation. Having met someone influential, gone somewhere special, or experienced something connected to the conversation gives you a relaxed command of the situation and establishes a communication link between you and others.
• USE POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE
Lean forward and nod positively to indicate your feelings of compassion, understanding, and encouragement to continue the conversation.
• ASK OPINIONS AND ADVICE
To be asked for one's opinion or advice is viewed as an honor. Thus, to ask someone for his opinion is to bestow some level of honor upon him.
• USE "WE" RATHER THAN "I".
"We" is an inclusive concept that indicates the representation. "We" also avoids the trap of talking about yourself, because it inherently implies the inclusion of others. When talking about a problem or conflict, never use the words you or your, which suggest finger pointing, and will therefore raise defenses in the other person.
HOW TO CONVEY A MESSAGE
Things to keep in mind while conveying a message
• Time
• Clarity
• Consciousness
• Accuracy
• Sincerity
• Positiveness
• Vividness
HOW TO KILL A MESSAGE.
When you are speaking to a person or group, whether it is professional or personal, there are several things you want to avoid that will kill your message.
• Talking about yourself / Bragging
• Using too much technical jargon
• Talking down to your audience
• Making it hard to hear or see your message
• Making claims that are unbelievable
• Presenting your topic from your point of view only
• Appearing messy, dull, or unorganized