FYI
FYI
relationship and being able to work together effectively . It becomes apparent that “ breakdowns ” can occur at any step . Sometimes these “ breakdowns ” are caused by barriers - something that stops , blocks , prevents , or hinders . In communication , we may be hindered by a number of barriers that seem to arise from natural human differences and others that are the result of personal habits or attitudes . All or most can be eliminated , changed , or minimized . Some of these barriers include : background and experience , feelings and emotions , word meaning and usage , listening only for words , jumping to conclusions , failure to seek clarification , hidden agendas , stereotyping , physical environment , being self-centered , talking to fast , generalizations , language level and most importantly , the failure to listen ( Walker & Brokaw 2001:233 ). Taking these barriers into account , there are many ways to improve the verbal communication . Those ways include speaking with enthusiasm , annunciating , using inflection , avoid antagonistic words , use short sentences , adjust the volume of your voice to the situation , adjust your speaking rate to the situation and keep the door open for feedback . Dorothy Nevell once said , “ The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting
184 ISSUE 09 VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE moment ” ( Walker & Brokaw 2001:244 ). For the most part , our communication attempts go astray because we fail to listen . We have been given two ears but a single mouth , in order that we may hear more and talk less . Unfortunately , few people are good listeners . Researchers claim that 75 % of oral communication is ignored , misunderstood or quickly forgotten .
“ For the most part , our communication attempts go astray because we fail to listen . We have been given two ears but a single mouth , in order that we may hear more and talk less . Unfortunately , few people are good listeners . Researchers claim that 75 % of oral communication is ignored , misunderstood or quickly forgotten . ”
Yet the quality of our friendships the closeness of our family relationships and our effectiveness at work depend to Great extent on our ability to listen . Thankfully there are numerous suggestions on how we can improve our listening skills . Be receptive and
attentive , allow the speaker to speak freely , listen to the speaker and ignore distractions , avoid preoccupation with your own thoughts , avoid all judgements , try to listen for more than just the spoken word , use feedback and reflect on what the speaker said . Communication experts describe listening as our primary communication activity ( Walker & Brokaw 2001:244 ). Taking all of these suggestions into account , there are also a number of methods or rules to stick by in order to achieve effective intrapersonal communication that can be utilized to your advantage for making good first impressions . For example , Don ' t Betray Your Anxiety - if you ' re not quick-witted or well-versed in certain subjects you can still make a great impression - just focus on the other person . This , in turn , will take the pressure off you . However , avoid interrogating a new acquaintance . If you ' re jittery , control movements , such as leg twitching . And remember to speak slowly - nervousness makes us talk too fast . We are often tempted to share impressive things about ourselves , but the one idea you should keep in mind is “ how am I making the other person feel ?” Actively encourage others to talk about themselves and respond genuinely without bringing it back to you - so another method to live by when wanting to make good first impressions is to Curb