The most important step in effective communications with anyone, and its easy.

The most important step in communications with anyone, and its easy.

This is part of the 'Help Me Communicate' Video Series.

You can learn effective communication skills. Every week we will post some tools and tips to help you become a great communicator.

Learn how to manage conflict and how to approach those difficult conversations. Learn effective word choice, questioning techniques and listening skills. go to:

htps://www.facebook.com/effectivecommunicationskills/

for the weekly broadcast at 10 AM mountain time on Wednesdays.

What do you like to talk about? Things that are of interest to you. Right!

So do most people. The most important technique in communications that everyone can use is asking questions.

Ask Questions: It’s a 2 step process. Step 2 is listening, both active and reflective.
 

Why do we ask questions? When we are connecting our intention is to engage the other person. People like to talk about themselves. It engages them. The more the other person talks the nicer you appear to them.

The best way to get a friend or build trust in a colleuges is to ask about them.

What kind of things do you ask and why?

Depends on the situation.

Do you struggle with breaking the ice? Do you struggle with crucial conversations?

People like to hear their name. Ask what it is and use it once in awhile in the conversation.

Have a list of questions you use and feel out the situation. Ask light questions to break the ice for new connections. Ask about weather, work, pets, children, sports or hobbies.

When humans communicate we are always selling in the intention part of the HIP. What’s the HIP? We all Sense, Think, Feel, Intend and then Act. In the intention art of the process we are selling ourselves or the other person on an idea to accept.

To sell to someone anything, including our trust or friendship, we must ask questions and shine the light on them.

Do you struggle with crucial conversations?

In a crucial conversation, Asking is about understanding the other person and clarifying so we can find common ground.

·         Ask what they think and feel about the topic.

·         Ask what they think or feel about what you just said.

·         Go through the cycle until you get it.

Stage two of asking questions: Don’t forget your active and reflective listening techniques. Practice them.