Welcome back and I hope you have had a harmonious week. Last week’s Thought was “Empathy – The Bridge to Connection and Harmony” all about and how this can transform our interactions and connections, making them more meaningful and supportive. If you missed it, you can catch up here.
What did you notice about conversations over the past week where (a) there was empathy and (b) where there was none?
I also observed how empathy changed conversations happening around me and it was very interesting. I noticed the difference between conversations where people were just “talking at” the other person without much scope for interaction and those where there was real empathy and connection.
I would love to hear what you noticed over the past week too!
Building connection is very subtle isn’t it! Whether it’s in business or in our personal lives, how often do we stop to think about what ‘connection’ is and why it’s important?
How do we build meaningful connections over the phone? Let’s explore this a little …
Despite the rise of digital messaging and video calls, the phone remains a vital tool for communication due to its unique ability to convey tone, emotion, and nuance through voice alone.
Unlike text-based communication, phone calls allow for immediate, real-time interaction, fostering a sense of presence and engagement that can be more personal and impactful. They are particularly effective for clarifying misunderstandings, discussing sensitive matters, and building rapport, as the human voice can express empathy, concern, and enthusiasm in ways that written words often cannot.
In professional settings, phone calls can facilitate quicker decision-making and more dynamic conversations, making them indispensable for maintaining strong, meaningful connections.
Here are a few tips to foster genuine connections over the phone:
Active Listening: One of the most important skills in phone communication is active listening. This means truly paying attention to the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and acknowledging what they are saying. Nodding or making small affirming sounds can be helpful when face-to-face, but over the phone, verbal affirmations like “I see,” “I understand,” or summarising what they’ve said are key. All too often people use the phone as a microphone to ‘talk at’ people without creating space for a two-way conversation.
Personal Touch: Personalising your conversations can make a significant difference. Start with a friendly greeting, use the person’s name to make the conversation more personal and perhaps share a little about your day or ask about theirs. This can transform a mundane call into a meaningful interaction.
Express Emotions: Without visual cues, your tone of voice carries the weight of your emotions. Be mindful of your tone and inflection to convey warmth, enthusiasm, empathy, or concern as the situation demands. A smile can be heard over the phone – it affects your tone and helps the listener feel your positivity.
Clarity and Brevity: While it’s important to be personable, clarity and brevity are also essential. Make sure your message is clear and to the point, but don’t rush through the conversation. Take the time to ensure that both you and the other person have understood each other. We need to speak a little more slowly on the phone than we would face-to-face to ensure we are understood.
Follow Up: After an important phone call, a follow-up email or message summarising the key points discussed can reinforce the connection and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This shows that you value the conversation and the relationship.
By focusing on these strategies, we can make our phone conversations more effective and fulfilling. Let’s strive to build connections that go beyond the surface, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration.
“The invention of the telephone has been an incredible boon to humanity, facilitating instant communication and fostering human connection.”
–Alexander Graham Bell–
[A historical perspective from the inventor of the telephone himself.]
Have a wonderful week, and let’s continue to build those bridges of empathy and connection!
With warmest wishes,
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!
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