Too much of repetition and alliteration in the headline for this post isn’t it? Well, that’s the whole purpose actually. They say that the humans get too influenced/ easily distracted by visuals and repetitive words spoken.

Since the time we gain senses and become the part of “you-are-quite-old-to-understand-everything” clan; we know that our ability to speak, hear and reciprocate is the most privileged boon we’re blessed with as we’re “humans”. This one prowess differentiates us from the other living beings. But, as time passes by & we start getting out of the comfort zone of being reckless carefree adolescents to stern working professionals (that’s how the analogy is explained in most instances); the whole basic meaning of being able to “communicate” changes. Yes, we do not just speak or hear to be merely acknowledged.
We need acts of requiring to know that we’re genuinely being heard and given attention to.

In this whole process of being a “communicator,” we often miss onto an essential element of rather being an “effective communicator”. One could not deny the fact that we all have some room for improvement when we speak of communication skills we all possess. We constantly learn in all walks of life how essential it is to be able to transfer a conversation effectively. But, how can we do this? What are the 3 basic simple thumb rules which can make this easier than one thought it could be?

The GET Rule!!
This has not been picked up as someone else’s work or copied from anywhere. This is just an idea of my thought process and this has helped me to a really great extent. Watch out “how” this can help us all equally.

G: Good listening skills/ Good Listener
Be a good listener - only then can you be a good speaker. We have TWO ears and ONE mouth, let us all respect that fact and use it in that proportion. Many people only listen for the gap in the conversation, so they can say what they want.  This isn’t listening at all. That is called “hearing” for the sake of not offending someone. Few listen to judge, few are into sympathy listener
Quick food for thought when we know we are still striving to be a good listener-
Ask them to repeat what they speak (This shows you’re interested in what someone speaks with you, also, you’re keen on reciprocating your views or thoughts on what they share with you.)
Being able to listen to someone in order to understand their situation and then responding to the situation is the best way to show that you’re a good listener. Eureka moment!

E: Empathise
Empathise is the verb form of the term “empathy” which literally means “to understand and share the feelings of another.” Yes, this is the second most essential rule for being an effective communicator. Billy Liao, an Australian entrepreneur has rightly said “when we communicate, we should listen to recreate, i.e., listen to someone not with our ears, but with our eyes; so we can hear not our thoughts about them but we can recreate the same sensations and ideas dwelling in the person speaking with you”. That’s a pure form of being sensitive and also, empathize to someone when they speak. Always try and put yourself in the other person's shoe and understand what they really wish to communicate.

T: Tonality
Watch your Tone. Don’t be rude or harsh, have compassion in your tone (voice), be courteous to others.
Best when this has risen and fall, in pitch and tone – like telling an interesting story. Always keep up the pace mid-level for the words spoken and intonate when needed. This makes it much interesting an experience when you talk to someone. Try to have a grip on that person through the way you speak. Be a storyteller and use voice modulations to your rescue. Never shout, scream or speak rudely when things do not work out your way. There’s always a subtle way to get the communication right. Let’s not forget we’re humans, we like being treated well and others expect the same respect or behaviour when we communicate with them.

So this ends the 3 mantras to lead an easy way to “effective” communication in personal and professional lives. I am sure we can do miracles if we achieve them.

P.S.: This goes out to all the tiers of a hierarchy in any organisation/ group level. We’re all in the learning phase. Let’s be the change we want to see.