Applying basic communication rules can help you build good relationships at work and in your private life. We explain what you should always bear in mind when talking to others. Your friendship can also deepen while enjoying the online casino for real money.
These communication rules will help you have successful conversations—both at work and in your private life. Keep in mind that it’s not just your words or those of your conversation partner that matter. Nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and gestures, should not be underestimated in conversations.
- Communication rule: Listen attentively
The most important communication rule for understanding your conversation partner and correctly interpreting what they say is to listen attentively. Be careful not to interrupt your conversation partner and avoid distractions such as a ringing cell phone.
You can use your body language to signal to your conversation partner that you are listening attentively to what they are saying. This can be done, for example, through eye contact, occasional nodding, a forward-leaning posture, or affirmative statements. This applies to conversations with bosses and coworkers as well as with friends or partners.
- Ask questions
According to the University Medical Center Freiburg, asking questions is also an essential rule of communication. It is worthwhile to repeat what your conversation partner has said in your own words or to summarize it. You can then ask specific questions, such as “What did you mean by that?” or “Have I understood that correctly?”, to find out whether you have understood your conversation partner’s statements as they were intended. Your conversation partner will then either agree with you or correct you. This will help you find common ground for your conversation.
If, for example, you receive feedback from your employer about your work style, you can ask specific questions to find out whether you have understood what you can do differently in the future to work more effectively or to better meet the needs of customers.
In your private life, asking specific questions can help show interest in the other person. If a friend of yours starts taking dance lessons, for example, you can ask questions to find out where, with whom, and why they started. This will help you get to know your friend better and give you more topics to talk about.
- Communication rule: Appreciation and empathy
Empathy and mutual understanding are important communication rules. The third communication rule is also important for a good conversation: Express your appreciation to your conversation partners and respond empathetically to what they say. According to psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg, empathy and appreciation are relevant components of nonviolent communication.
You can convey appreciation not only by listening attentively, but also by expressing your understanding (for example: “I understand you” or “I can empathize that this must have been very difficult for you”). However, you should not only empathize with the feelings of your conversation partner, but also consciously perceive your own feelings and emotions.
Especially in conflict situations with friends or family members, it can be helpful to express your own feelings, for example, “This behavior hurt me very much.” At the same time, it is essential to demonstrate to your counterpart that you can empathize with their situation. You can convey this by saying, for example, “I understand that my reaction made you sad, and I’m sorry.” By communicating in such an appreciative and empathetic manner, you can resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
If you, as an employer, boss, or team leader, notice that someone is working less effectively than usual or seems constantly stressed, tact and sensitivity are required. Find out what is currently going on in their private life. Private events, such as a death in the family or conflicts in a relationship, can often harm work performance. You can show understanding for this situation by allowing the person to do only the most necessary work or by enabling them to start work a little later or finish earlier.
