Archive for communicationg effectively
How Are You At Conversing With Others?
Posted by: | CommentsWhat is the most important topic of conversation for you today? Is it your career, relationships, health, or children? Are you talking about the quality of education in your community? Have you been discussing world conditions? Do you have discussions on books, TV programs, movies, sports, travel, career, or success? Do you have a discussion club where you share ideas important to you? Are you comfortable conversing when you attend a dinner or party? What level of competence do you have as a conversationalist?
This week, observe your own conversations and those of other people around you. The Art of Conversation is a special skill that needs a lifetime of development. In the first two minutes, when you
meet someone, you basically have three topics to choose from: the situation or event, the other person, or yourself. And there are only three ways to begin a conversation: ask a question, give your opinion, or state a fact. The major outcome in the beginning is just to interest or involve the other person. I believe the best way to start a conversation is by asking a question because it focuses the energy on the other person.
It is important to learn the Art of Conversation and how to ask questions. One of the greatest fears of many people is the fear of being in a group where they know no one. Many people are shy or afraid of being rejected. They do not know how to begin a conversation. However, with practice and skill, people can learn to be comfortable in any situation.
Dr. Phillip Zimbardo, author of Shyness: What Is It, What To Do About It, says 85 million people wake up every day with some degree of shyness. Millions of people buy animals and plants because it is easier to talk to animals and plants rather than talk to people. People talk back . Animals and plants “listen”.
Decide now to upgrade your conversation skills. Learn to ask questions, listen externally, give eye contact, and give each person your undivided attention. Learn something about everything, and everything you can about something. This will give you a knowledge base for asking questions. You can go to everyone’s “school” by asking them questions about their skills and interest. As you develop the Art of Conversation and release any of your fears and shyness, you will also be letting people know about you.
Take an interest in others, ask questions and then, watch what happens!
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“I now continually refine my conversation skills.” |
Reassessing Your Commitments
Posted by: | CommentsHave you made a commitment, either to yourself or someone else, that you haven’t quite lived up to?
We all do it. Whether it be a New Year’s resolution or a promise to your kids, parents, brother or sister, or friends. We can all take a step back from our busy lives and take a deep look at our commitments or promises we have made to ourselves and our loved ones.
A commitment is a special promise to ourselves or loved ones. It may be something small like spending more quality time with our significant other, or something big like watching what you eat and get regular exercise to reduce risk of health ailments. Whatever it may be, we can all put-forth more effort to make these commitments work.
It is extremely easy to say you are committed to something, but the hard part is staying committed. With the world today being so hectic and fast-paced, it is easy to forget about our most important duties as a spouse, parent, or friend…our commitments.
I want you to ask yourself, “What exactly are my commitments.” Make a list of your commitments starting with the ones you feel are most important. Once you have made this list, write down things that you can be doing better to live these out. Don’t be afraid to discuss them with the other half of the commitment as well. Everyday try to do one positive thing that will build on each of these commitments. Once you have done this, you will see relationships improve and overall well-being increase. So here are the steps to reassessing your commitments…
1. Make a list in level of importance of your commitments.
2. Write down actions you can be doing to better these commitments.
3. Discuss these actions with the other half of the commitment(spouse, child, friend, or yourself).
4. Each day try and do at least one action to improve each of your commitments.
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