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1. Listen
. Listen quietly to what a person says without interrupting. Use “verbal attends” such as
“uh huh,” “um,” “yes,” and “I see” to show the speaker that you are following what he/she is
saying.
2. Maintain adequate distance
. We all have “personal space.” When someone invades this
space, we become uncomfortable. Conversely, when someone is too far away from us, it may
feel as if they are not engaged in the conversation. Most people in North America use the
distance of about an arm’s length to separate two people engaged in a conversation.
3. Avoid touching.
The appropriateness of touching another person will vary depending upon the
circumstances. Some people are extremely uncomfortable when another person touches
them. A handshake is acceptable in most cases, but refrain from other physical contact with
people with whom you are not familiar.
4. Maintain good body posture.
Stand up and pull your shoulders back. Erect posture conveys
confidence, while slouching indicates the opposite. If you lean slightly toward the person with
whom you are speaking, you will convey interest and intelligence.
5. Control facial expressions.
Your face communicates a wide variety of attitudes and emotions.
If you raise your eyebrows, you may look surprised. If you poke out your lips, you may convey
anger, disagreement, or confusion.
6. Maintain eye contact.
Good eye contact (not staring) shows that you are listening and are
interested. North Americans often feel that when someone won’t look you in the eye, they
can’t be trusted.
7. Control personal odors.
In person-to-person contact, this aspect of communication is often
overlooked. Obviously, cleanliness is essential. In addition, you should avoid strong perfumes
and colognes or any scents that are strong enough to distract another person from their
interaction with you.
8. Control gestures.
Make a point of thinking about what your gestures convey. For example,
clenched fists may indicate aggression or anger, and crossing your arms may indicate that you
are defensive or suspicious. These are closed gestures that create nonverbal barriers. Use open
gestures such as keeping your hands at your sides. Don’t wave your arms or hands too much;
as this may distract the person with whom you are speaking.
9. Maintain your overall appearance.
What you wear to work depends upon the job you do.
Remember, that whatever you are required to wear should be clean and neat. This will convey
your competence and respect for your position.
10.
Get the Edge!
Follow these simple guidelines and you are on your way to becoming a great
communicator
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Section 11– Effective Communication & Networking