Larson Institute of Self-Mastery Rotating Header Image

Conversation

9 Tips for Effective Communication

Dec 20th, 2010
by Guest.
No comments yet

CommunicationGuest author Bolanle Yinka-Babalola

We all communicate, whether at home, work, school or play. In fact, the art of communication is the first thing a child learns as soon as he is born.

In its simplest form, it has been described as the process of giving and receiving information. While this is true, most of the time, some of the information being given may be lost in transmission because of interruptions and other distractions that interfere with the communication process. These tips will help you to improve on your communication regardless of what end of the conversation you are on.

  • Speak Clearly and Concisely.

As much as possible, be clear and concise when you speak so that your listeners wouldn’t have a hard time trying to figure out what you are trying to say. Pay particular attention to your diction and pronunciation. If you have a problem with some particular words, you might want to practice them over and over again when you are alone so that it does not get in the way of your communication. (more…)

The Two Little Words Every Happy Relationship Needs

Dec 18th, 2010
by Guest.
No comments yet

UnderstandingGuest author Todd R. Reed

QUESTION: What’s the most common phrase couples use when they argue?

ANSWER: “You just don’t understand.”

In fact, feeling misunderstood is the number one complaint marriage and family counselors hear from couples who come in for counseling. And yet, the ability to say “I understand” is the most important skill for any person in a committed relationship to develop. These two words make the most powerful statement in the English language. “I understand” can be even more important than saying “I love you,” because before you can completely feel loved, you need to feel understood.”

Here are the top mistakes spouses make when it comes to making their partners feel understood and how you can easily work together to correct them:

* Mistake #1: Saying, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” When your mate says this, it may feel like she is dismissing your feelings. What’s usually happening here is that she disagrees with you, but wants to spare your feelings. In other words, by elaborating on her opinions, your significant other knows she will risk making you even more upset, so she says as little as possible. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that robbing you of the chance to explain why you feel the way you do–not the fact that she disagrees with you–is what’s really making you upset, because that’s what makes you feel misunderstood.

* Easy solution: Calmly tell her, “I’m not asking you to agree with me. I just need you to understand where I’m coming from. Then give her an index card with the words “I understand that you’re feeling _____ about _____ because _____ written on it and have her fill in the blanks as she reads it back to you. This card serves as a “cheat sheet” to get your significant into the habit of showing she understands what you’re saying. (more…)

How to Become a Better Conversationalist – 7 Keys To Engaging Conversations

Dec 3rd, 2010
by Guest.
No comments yet

Guest author Vioncent Kyle Ng

Have you ever had conversations that went so well but you were unable to tell why? In this article, I’m going to share with you some tips on how to become a better conversationalist. Perhaps you can identify with some of them?

1. Find A Common Topic

To really engage with another person, there needs to be a common topic or interest that the both of you can talk about, or the conversation will just fizzle out eventually. Your job is to find this common topic.

You could find out some things about the other person and then tell some things about yourself. Toss out certain topics until you find a topic you are both passionate about and the conversation will proceed on smoothly. 

2. Two Way Street

A conversation is an activity requiring the participation of two people. Naturally, this would mean the active involvement of two people. Both parties need to contribute to the conversation; it is a two way street. (more…)

Developing Communication Skills

Nov 2nd, 2010
by Guest.
No comments yet

Guest author Stephen J. Michaels

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

~ George Bernard Shaw

For many, the word “communication” is the act of relaying a message to others. However, if those words remain unheard or cannot be understood by the listener the speaker has simply been talking. That there are so many self-help sources offering suggestions on Developing communication skills is evidence the art remains mysterious.

The dictionary defines communication as the exchange of information between people. According to Paul Meyer, “Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” Therefore, learning communication skills determines success in all endeavours. Here are a few of the most basic fundamentals on communication skills.

Voltaire once said, “If you wish to converse with me, define your terms.” When trying to convey your thoughts to someone else it will be to your advantage to organize your thoughts into a coherent message before you start talking. Stay on point and do not dilute your message with the water of unnecessary words. (more…)

Marketing Yourself, Part 4 – Improve Your Message

Oct 28th, 2010
by Gary N. Larson.
2 comments

 

Your marketing message

(Note: This is Part 4 of a four-part series on Marketing Yourself)

Communicate your verbal message with care

People not only judge you by how you look but also by what you say and how you say it. How you talk about yourself, your work, your boss or even your competition sends a message about you. If you aren’t careful, your verbal communication can undo any other self-marketing efforts you may have made.

What kind of message are you communicating?

When you are around others, what kind of message do you bring to them? Is it positive or negative? Are you someone who continually complains about life, rarely having anything good to say? Do people like to have you around or do they cringe when they see you coming? Are you the storm cloud that goes around raining on everyone’s parade or are you the type of person that spreads cheer and sunshine? How you communicate is critical to building a positive reputation.

How you judge others will be how others judge you

We read a verse in the Bible that says, “Judge not that ye be not judged.” This is good advice for human relations too! Whenever you are in the process of judging others it gives other people a clue of how to judge you. (more…)

Are You a Conversation Hijacker?

Aug 14th, 2010
by Gary N. Larson.
1 comment

Conversation Hijacker

A hijacker is someone who seizes control of a plane or a car or even a conversation. Are you one of them?

I spotted a hijacker recently. It was at a social gathering of neighbors and friends. It was interesting for me to observe the people there and how they interacted with each other. I noticed one woman in particular, a neighbor of mine. You could never tell by looking at her, but by golly, she was a hijacker!

I have spoken with her in the past and she has expressed her frustrations at making friends. She says no one is interested in her, that nobody cares about her. And she doesn’t understand why. (more…)

Page 2 of 212