Why is communication so
important? Why do we take the time to talk about body language and
communication styles? We, as people, have been communicating for centuries.
But, as time went on, communication became less than what it used to be. Before
we went on dates, talked to people we didn’t know on the streets, etc. You had
to talk to communicate. It was the only way we knew how. As technology
advanced, however, it became easier to distance ourselves from those around us.
With the technological advances, we have gained social media sites such as
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and so much more. While these websites
help us to stay in touch with those who live far away, or even help get news to
others quicker, it does have some setbacks. Some people, like myself, used
Facebook to let extended family know that my husband and I are expecting our
first child.
The problem is, when we get
the chance to communicate in person, we spend most of our time on phones and
not talking. We don’t even make eye contact. I hear more stories about people
being anxious when talking to others, or having to talk on the phone even. We
are forgetting how to communicate and read body language, and we are forgetting basic principles. That is why it is important that we
talk about communication. It affects our lives and is a huge part of our
marriages and family life.
Communication Tips
·
Listening is a core skill
if you want to have successful communication in your relationships. When we
listen to the people around us, it shows them that what they are saying is
important and matters to us (Doyle, 2017).
·
Non-verbal communication is
also another skill to master if you want to become a more developed communicator.
Non-verbal communication is something we see and feel. It is in our facial
expressions and in the movements that we do with our bodies. These movements suggest different messages to
those we are talking with. Eye contact and an open stance when standing and
talking with someone is important and shows them you are willing to listen and
be friendly (Doyle, 2017).
·
Clarity is a skill that is
difficult to obtain when communicating. Being clear in our speaking helps
people around us understand what we are saying so we do not have to repeat
ourselves many different times. Clarity is asking the right questions and
making sure that the words we speak are easy to understand (Doyle, 2017).
·
Friendliness and empathy
are two great skills that will allow you to gain a new friend anywhere you go.
Smiling and asking those who you are communicating with personal questions that
spark their interest. These skills will help others feel you are interested in
them. Empathy helps others feel understood and heard (Doyle, 2017).
BODY LANGUAGE
Loud laughter, poor
posture, eye contact, head motions, and silence. These different gestures tell
a person very quickly in a conversation how you are feeling and what message
you are trying to get across. Have you ever wondered why it is that some humans
might look away when having a conversation? Can you tell the difference when
someone is really listening as they nod their head and when someone is mentally
floating away from the conversation? Body language is often overlooked.
Research has shown that 55% of a person's communication is from the body
language that they use in their conversation (Patel, 2014).
- When a conversation is taking
place, it is important to make eye contact with the person you are talking
with. Eye contact helps both parties in the conversation feel heard. Eye
contact also lets the person know in the conversation that you are being
present with them (Patel, 2014).
- ·
How does it make you feel when
you are having a conversation with someone and they are right up in your
face? Annoying, right? Well, research has shown that it is important and
proper to stand 18 inches to 4 feet away from someone when you are having
a conversation (Patel, 2014). This creates an environment and atmosphere
for the conversation to flow smoothly and in a comfortable manner.
Do you Connect?
- ·
It is suggested that we
communicate a lot with the people around us, but we do not actually connect
as much as we communicate (Schmid, 2015). What does it mean to connect
with someone? I am sure it looks different for every person, but a few
skills to connect are to acknowledge what the person is saying to you as
they are speaking. What kind of words and phrases are they using? A second
skill is hear what and how they are saying things (Schmid, 2015).
“Our communications
reflect in our
countenance.
Therefore, we must be careful not only what we communicate, but also how we do so. Souls can be strengthened or shattered by the message and the manner in which we communicate” (L.
Lionel Kendrick, in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 28; or Ensign, Nov.
1988, 23).
VIDEO
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Challenge and Take Away
- Next time you are having a conversation with someone,
think about whether or not you are being very clear in your speaking. Also,
ask questions that might reflect to you whether your conversation was
clear. Find someone to be friendly with in your day. Being friendly,
asking questions, and smiling can help you make a new friend and make
someone's day happier.
- Next time you are talking with your spouse, put your
cell phone away and pay attention to them through eye contact. When you
are making eye contact with your spouse, it shows them that you are paying
attention to what they have to say. It also shows your spouse that you are
being present with them and really listening to what they have to say.
- Next time you are talking with someone, pay more
attention to how you are connecting with that person. Are you
acknowledging them as they speak and trying to hear what they are saying?
Try to connect more often to the people around you.
Please fill out this survey so we know how we are doing.
References
Does Connection Matter? Schmid D. The Anatomy of
Communication. Massage Magazine [serial online]. May 2015;(228):60-62.
Available from: Alt HealthWatch, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 9, 2018
Doyle, A. (2017, November 28). These Are the
Communication Skills Employers Look For In Employees. Retrieved February 24,
2018, from https://www.thebalance.com/communication-skills-list-2063779
(Patel, 2014) Does Body
Language Matter? Patel, D. d. (2014). Body Language: An Effective Communication
Tool. IUP Journal Of English Studies, 9(2), 90-95.
