Saying without saying: 8 keys to better communication

Expressing a clear message that others can understand is not always easy.

We are immersed in the so-called "era of communication".. Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds to try to respond to our communication demands and we find more and more devices that facilitate this task: smartphones, computers, tablets,....

Every day we have more resources to get a message to other people, but despite all the technological help, properly convey a message is not an easy task. Communicating better is becoming more and more confusing with so many technological channels through which to express oneself.

Let's think for a moment about health professionals, psychologists, police officers, judicial workers or people working with disadvantaged groups who, on occasion, in the course of their work, may be forced to communicate information that is not easy to convey to others. Would they be able to convey a message without leaving part of themselves in it? Or, more importantly, what would happen if they only paid attention to the message and did not value the other elements of communication?

Communication is more than words

Communicating is more than just saying somethingIt involves much more than just words. Whether we are aware of it or not, it is not only the message we want to convey that is relevant, but also the way in which we convey that message. Communicating includes several actions at the same time: closeness, ability to listen, to show empathy and understanding.

The communication specialist makes use of body language to help the message reach the receiver, and it is these bodily resources that give meaning and importance to the discourse.

On the one hand, we have nonverbal language (posture when speaking, movements while speaking, facial expression and eye contact, among many other elements) and, on the other hand, we have the paraverbal elements of language (voice intonation, pauses or emphasis when speaking, rhythm with which we pronounce our speech, silences, timbre and volume of the voice, etc.) that favor the expression of our attitude, feelings and emotions in this regard.

Paraverbal communication motivates the receiver and helps him/her to be attentive to the speech, thus allowing him/her to process the information and favoring the change of turn in the speakers.

Tips to communicate better

To improve your communication skillsYou should keep in mind that communication is much more than what you say through words. Here are some keys that will help you make progress.

1. Maintain a relaxed and relaxed posture.

When we are tense, the person who should receive the message perceives it perceives it and responds to our state by becoming alert.. To do this, throw your shoulders back, do not cross your arms (it is usually aggressive for the receiver), look into the eyes and, above all, show a friendly smile, it will help to relax the atmosphere.

2. Listen

Equally as important as the message to be transmitted are the feelings and concerns it generates in the listener. If we do not allow the receiver to express himself, communication deteriorates. Make the other person feel understoodlistened to, heard and valid.

3. Use a soft and slow tone of voice.

Especially in the face of difficult news or news that may generate violent reactions, it is essential to maintain a calm and soft tone of voice and soft, which facilitates communication and helps the other person to calm down and listen to the rest of the message.

4. Be concrete, honest and sincere

Do not make detours to transmit the information, the receiver perceives the reluctance to give the message and increases his concern, making communication difficult. If the receiver perceives that you are conveying the information directly and sincerely, they will appreciate the gesture. he/she will appreciate the gesture.

5. Do not judge

It is essential that the receiver does not feel judged during the speech, watch your words and non-verbal and paraverbal language. Improving communication is also about making it more fluid, and this key will help you to do so, eliminating barriers.

6. Ask if you do not understand

The quality of the speech depends on knowing what is being asked of us. Likewise, it is essential to allow ourselves to recognize that there are times when we will not be able to give an answer. that we will not be able to give a correct or adequate answer because it is beyond our control or knowledge. because it is beyond our control or knowledge. This also helps us to show an image of closeness that favors communication.

7. Evaluate your feelings

When we are forced to give a message with which we do not agree or that generates discomfort in us, we transmit these feelings, we transmit these feelings to the receiver to the receiver, being able to transfer these emotions to him/her.

8. Highlight positive aspects

Highlight favorable aspects and, above all, end the speech with these aspectshelps to empower the receiver to face the situation he/she is in.

One message, millions of possibilities

The same message can have an infinite number of different meaningsWhen we transmit it, we are giving it a part of us. Each message carries with it a personal stamp inherent to the person who transmits it and that makes it become unique in the hands of different people.

If we take the example of professionals who have the difficult task of transmitting sensitive information to other people, we can understand the importance of good communication and how essential it is for the sender to take care of the non-verbal aspects of his communication, so that they accompany and enrich the message being transmitted.