Saying without saying: 8 keys to better communicate

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

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

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

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Communication is more than words

Communicating is more than saying something, involves much more than mere words. Whether we are aware of it or not, not only is the message we want to convey relevant, it is 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 uses his body language to help the message get through adequately to the receiver and, it is these bodily resources that give it an adequate sense and importance to speech.

On the one hand, we have non-verbal language (posture when speaking, movements while speaking, facial expression and eye contact, among many other elements) and, on the other, we have the paraverbal elements of language (intonation of the voice, 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 when respect.

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

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Tips to communicate better

To improve your communication skillsWell, you must bear in mind that communication is much more than what you say through words. These are some keys that will help you progress.

1. Maintain a relaxed and relaxed posture

When we are tense the person who should receive the message perceives it and responds to our state by putting itself on 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. Listens

Just as important as the message to be transmitted are the feelings and concerns that it generates in the person who listens. If we do not allow the recipient to express himself, communication deteriorates. Make the other person feel understood, heard and valid.

3. Use a soft and leisurely tone of voice

Above all, in the face of difficult news or news that can generate violent reactions, it is essential to maintain a calm tone of voice and smooth, that 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 take 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 transmit the information directly and sincerely will appreciate the gesture.

5. Do not judge

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

6. Ask if you don't 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 that we will not be able to give a correct or adequate answer 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 causes us discomfort, we transmit these feelings to the receiver, being able to transfer these emotions to him.

8. Highlight positive aspects

Highlight favorable aspects and, above all, finish the speech with these aspects, helps to empower the receiver to face the situation in which he finds himself.

The same message, millions of possibilities

The same message can have a myriad of different meaningsWhen we transmit it, we are giving it a part of ourselves. Each message carries with it a personal stamp inherent to the person who transmits it and what makes it unique in the hands of different people.

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

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