Last week’s Thought for the Week was; “The Power of Showing Up” about how we choose to be when we are around other people.
You can see this and all of my previous blogs HERE.
How we show up is all about communication isn’t it and how we connect with each other and it’s so much more than how we talk.
When I run Communication workshops, people often arrive thinking that it’s all about how they speak and they expect to learn tips and tricks around that. And then they realise that there is so much more to it than that.
And it is interesting how people believe they are good communicators because they talk a lot! But are they? What do you think?
Personally, I have found that the best communicators are actually speaking less than others, and yet they are taking it all in. And because they are not speaking, they are so much more attentive of what’s going on.
So, when they do speak, they have something valuable to say, or they may aske a really pertinent question to help clarify something that’s being discussed.
“Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.”
-Bernard Baruch-
[Financier and presidential adviser]
It is possible do you think to be speaking and observing everything at the same time?
Is it possible to fully listen to someone while preparing your response to them?
Ideally, we need pauses in between speaking and responding to have the best communication. Why do you think that is? Can you think of someone who does that? Is it easier to communicate with them?
Nowadays, the relentless pace of life creates a pressure to keep the conversation flowing, but at what cost? Unfortunately, in our rush to keep up, the quality of our interactions is often sacrificed.
How much are we using all of our senses while we are speaking? By being mindful of all our senses, we can enhance our communication skills and improve our ability to understand and connect with others.
“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.”
– Robert Baden-Powell-
[Boy Scouts Association]
So, we have to be able to see and observe while we are in a conversation, as much as we speak and it takes a lot of concentration to be an active listener!
I can help you or someone else with this by providing a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow. I will listen, guide and encourage to develop the skills and confidence to become a more effective listener and communicator.
I invite you to try this for free! Choose a time that best works for you HERE
“Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable — and one of the least understood. Most captains of industry listen only sometimes, and they remain ordinary leaders. But a few, the great ones, never stop listening. That’s how they get word before anyone else of unseen problems and opportunities.”
-Peter Nulty-
[Fortune Magazine]
I will leave you with that thought and will be in touch again soon with more thoughts and tips.
With best wishes for your success,
Korinne Le Page