Leadership Coaching: The 5 Golden Rules Of Communication

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Communication Is Talking And Listening

It doesn't matter whether you're a psychologist, business person or just a spouse who wants to nurture a healthy relationship with your partner. As an attentive friend, you'll need them too. We're talking about the Golden Rules of Communication, and they're pretty much one and the same regardless of your profession or station in any kind of relationship.

Two basic things are involved in communication- talking and listening. There are 5 golden rules for these two basic mechanics of communication. Talking and listening in communication work together, it can't be just one or the other. In fact, a lot of people say that listening is even more important than talking. Listening, although passive, makes communication livelier. Why? How else would you know what to say next if you're not listening? You have to know what the other person wants or needs to know, so you have to listen to what they are saying.

5 Golden Rules Of Communication

1. Be kind and accommodating. Pay attention to the other person. Your audience will intuitively know if you want to listen. Steer clear of monopolizing the conversation, with its gist all about you. When your conversation is paraphrased, does it translate to "me, me, me". And when you respond to your audience, do you say "no. me, me me". The art of listening, or the sincerity to listen is a rare and precious gift and skill. Do not underestimate its value and power.


2. Show that you are interested and listening. If you want your communication to be dynamic and interactive, show that you are interested. Otherwise, if you're putting a barrier between you and the other person, your conversation will come to a halt. The other person will lose confidence in what they are saying. Foster an environment wherein you and the other person settles in your comfort zone. When you are, you'll be surprise at how easy your conversation is. Interesting, juicy bits will be revealed. Make eye contact, nod, prod, echo or reflect and adopt an open body posture when conversing.


3. Check if your communication has been understood. Check if you are on the same wavelength with your audience. Have you established rapport and is the communication two- way? Ask questions and provide comments or feedback to confirm.


4. Do not be judgmental. You'll prevent the other person from disclosing themselves if you're being judgmental in your communication. If you should disagree, learn the art of saying "no".


5. Learn how to use silence appropriately. An endless drivel of a conversation may not be valuable communication at all. It's hard work to maintain a conversation that doesn't use silence. There are times when keeping quiet is the most appropriate response, especially if the conversation is subtle, very important or shocking. Your acceptance or intimacy can sometimes be best expressed through an understanding silence.