Read the latest and greatest from our team
of incredible specialists.
Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » 5 Ways to Improve Your Communications Skills
Honest, two-way communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but many of us don’t take time to improve our communications skills. And, even though most of us spend the majority of our day talking to others, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re all proficient at it.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion at work, trying to solve disputes with your significant other or casually chatting with a friend or family member, knowing how to share your ideas effectively can help improve your reputation in every facet of your life. Get a head start on your goals with these tips for improving your communications skills.
Imagine yourself in a conversation with a friend or colleague. When they’re speaking, are you fully engaged with what they’re saying? If you’re like many people, you use the time when others are talking to come up with your response. As a result, most of us only retain a fraction of the information we hear each day.
Becoming a better communicator requires you to cultivate self-awareness. When someone’s talking with you, don’t let yourself get bored or distracted by whatever else might be happening around you, or by forming counter-arguments while the other person is still speaking. If you have trouble concentrating on what someone else is telling you, try repeating their words mentally. Doing so will not only help you stay focused, but will also help you remember the conversation better.
Some best practices for honing your communications skills might make you feel like you’re overcommunicating at first. However, don’t automatically assume everyone around you understands exactly what you mean every time. People you interact with might not come away with as much information as you’d prefer. To combat this, emphasize crucial points with questions like:
Asking questions keeps the conversation lively, interesting and relevant to your audience. By inviting people to take a more active role in the conversation, you’re also helping them remember more of the essential details.
Think of all the information you might be able to pass along in a single glance. For example, rolling your eyes or quirking an eyebrow might indicate disbelief. Nonverbal cues – such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and postures – are a crucial component of communication.
Improving your communications skills requires you to become more familiar with the varied emotions people can convey without saying a word. If you pay close attention, you might even be able to pick up when someone isn’t being honest with you, since it’s possible for people to say one thing while their body language is telling you something different.
Are you the kind of person who usually blurts out the first thing on your mind? Being a reactive listener can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Instead of saying something you might regret, take a minute to collect your thoughts. Creating a mental “first draft” will help you come up with a respectful, well-considered response.
It’s natural for conversations to lapse occasionally. When that happens, it doesn’t mean you aren’t communicating effectively enough. Instead of getting anxious and trying to fill pauses with meaningless chatter, take a more relaxed approach and use these lulls in conversation to breathe and ground yourself.
Addiction harms many aspects of your life, including your communications skills and relationships. At an accredited rehab center like Beach House, you can make a new start and rediscover how joyful and rewarding life can be without the crutch of drugs and alcohol. Our inpatient rehab program will give you the tools and essential skills to live the way you’ve always wanted. To speak with our knowledgeable admissions team, reach out to us today.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
"*" indicates required fields