communication tips?

Question

techniques.skills.tips on reading body language, speaking, choice of words, types of conversation.

Answer 1

Any good book on Communication would give you a broad idea about the communication methods for different category of audience (literates or otherwise, school or college level, urban or ruralite, etc), diiferent subjects (for level of complexity, adaptability, novelty, necessity to the audience etc) etc..

Generally the "lead" or introduction to the subject should be considered crucial to attract the attention and increase their receptivity to the talk / presentation... the audience should be made to like the subject by highlighting the interesting / utility aspects effectively...

The subject should then be developed step by step giving optimal load of information consistent with the receptive level of the audience, to sustain their interest... this would be challenging in a mixed audience.. but a skilled person could still keep the audience receptive, by adopting different methods...

Use of appropriate audio-visuals instead of long verbal lectures and involving the audience in the discussion instead of indulging in a monologue however eloquent, are some good techniques...

Avoiding distracting mannerism and having eye contact with the
people spoken to, would much enhance receptivity.. A pleasing dress and jovial manners are great plus points..

Physical comforts of the audience should also be kept in mind; proper lighting and ventilation, calm surrounding (since noise of traffic on nearby roads etc may distract the audience) etc have to be ensured... Talk clearly in a pitch that is neither too loud nor low..

While covering complex subjects involving new terms etc proper repetition and recollection (by questioning the audience) would be necessary.. Use of appropriate analogies, illustrations etc should help ... if the audience do not follow you clearly their interest would wane..

Credibility of the speaker as well as the message are necessary to enhance its acceptance... Introduce yourself properly to show that you are competent in the subject, without appearing to be boasting... similarly, stress the source of the message given to underscore its authenticity..

Communication is said to be best among homophilous or identical socio cultural groups, so while addressing ruralites use their slangs and dress simply to appear one among them (at least not appearing outlandish)...

use of psycho linguistics and socio linguistics by citing illustrations from the local history or practices, using local proverbs etc would enhance the receptivity and acceptability of the message given... While closing, summarise the points and give an effective appeal to benefit from the message / innovation presented to them..

Thus you can find a host of tips from practical books on communication.

Answer 2

Each of the topics you mention could be a question in of itself, it may help to clarify if you mean in a small group or to a large audience. In terms of body language, sitting far back, crossing the arms, not making eye contact are signs that a person is not being receptive. When you experience this you may want to mirror the desired behavior, for example lean towards the person a bit, uncross your arms, make eye contact, SMILE, and the person is likely to mirror your non verbals. Another basic to encourage conversation is to ask open-ended questions. In other words ask questions with lots of possible answers that cannot be answered with a few words. Instead of asking "Do you think men are encouraged to be good listeners?', ask "How are men encouraged to be good listeners". One can be answered with a simple yes or no while the other needs elaboration and thus encourages discussion. Other than that, listen more than you speak and try to suspend judgments.

Answer 3

1. Try using more eye contact with someone youre speaking too.
2. Also, use more vocabulary in our sentences than using hand and body gestures/ or the word "um...or like" to describe what youre trying to say.
3. Practice in the mirror the night before, theres nothing wrong with that.
4. Take a speech class in school or college. Based on the speech assignments, your teacher can help you on ur habits or give you pointers on how to improve for the future.