Sounds simple, right? And yet so many of us don’t know how to have a good conversation. Let’s get a refresher on what good communication actually looks like.
Importance of Conversation Skills
- Builds relationships: Conversations are a key way to build and maintain relationships with others. By engaging in meaningful conversations, we can get to know someone on a deeper level and establish a connection with them.
- Facilitates understanding: Conversations can help us better understand the perspectives, beliefs and experiences of others. By actively listening to what someone is saying, we can gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, building empathy and understanding in the process.
- Promotes learning: Conversations can be a valuable source of information and knowledge. By engaging in conversations with people who have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we can broaden our horizons and learn new skills.
- Resolves conflict: Conversations can help resolve conflict and misunderstanding. By talking openly and honestly about our differences, we can work towards finding common ground and reaching a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties.
- Enhances communication skills: Good conversations can help us improve our communication skills, such as active listening, expressing ourselves clearly and using nonverbal cues effectively. These skills are valuable in both personal and professional settings.
How to Build Communication Skills
- Practice active listening: One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking and actively engage with what they are saying.
- Speak clearly and confidently: Communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently, using appropriate body language, tone and volume.
- Use appropriate nonverbal cues: Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions and body language can enhance your conversation and help you convey your message more effectively.
- Use appropriate language: Use appropriate language that is easy to understand and avoid using jargon or technical terms that others may not be familiar with.
- Be concise: Try to convey your message in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary details or rambling.
- Practice empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are communicating with and try to understand their perspective and feelings.
- Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from others on how you can improve your communication skills and actively work on implementing their suggestions.
- Read and write regularly: Reading and writing can help improve your vocabulary and language skills, which can in turn enhance your communication skills.
Try it!
Use the prompts below to have a conversation with someone in your class who has a different perspective on a subject you’re covering (you can use themes covered in your Inquiry Media if you need a place to start). No matter what you each believe, try to have a respectful conversation and learn the context behind someone else’s beliefs.
