Page 52 - Effective communication Skills by Dale King

Increasing Working Memory

If you put verbal dexterity as the engine of verbal skills, then your working
memory becomes the spark plugs. Verbal dexterity is the entire engine.
Without the spark plugs, the engine won’t run and is completely useless.

If we can improve our working memory, our verbal dexterity can increase,
too. The easiest way to train our brains is by using brain games. Using them
daily can help maintain and enhance your working memory.

Think About Words

Using too many words is going to bore your listeners. It will take up a lot of
time and could result in losing your credibility. Don’t use words that people
don’t understand. They won’t tell you that they can’t understand you because
you appear intimidating and you make them feel inferior.

Be Interested and Listen

Talking less and listening more means you listen well and will bring your
listener into your conversation. This will help them trust you. It makes them
feel as if you actually understand what they need. When they are talking,
show your interest and be interested. This improves rapport that you are
trying to create. Use note-taking skills to help you learn how to take
memorable and effective notes.

Look Out for Communication Traps

The impact of your words is just a small element in the communication that
you are giving. You need to make sure that your body language, facial
expressions, gestures, tone, and words are all relevant to the conversation.

Always Be Honest

If you promise something that isn’t possible is going to break any trust that

you might have already developed. Telling somebody that you “don’t know
but you will be glad to find out” is a lot more positive than trying to come up
with an answer that you hope will be effective.

Look for and Show Understanding