Learning how to communicate effectively is key to building relationships with those around you. Try using these four key words to positively influence others through your understanding and acceptance.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re my age and you bring up entertainers who have been doing their thing for decades, you run the risk of dating yourself. But I think it\u2019s safe to say even younger people are familiar with the late comedian George Carlin. He and a Pacifica radio station single-handedly changed Federal Communication Commission policies by letting us know what the seven filthiest words are in the English language.<\/p>\n
There is no beating the comic genius of Carlin, but I can take a different track and offer some of the best words we can use to communicate effectively and powerfully, especially when you\u2019re trying to influence someone positively. The four key words to communicate effectively are:<\/strong><\/p>\n Some of this, most people know intuitively. Like, when engaging in conversation with friends or strangers alike, you want them to feel like you know where they\u2019re coming from, even if you disagree with them. You want them to feel understood.<\/p>\n Hence, two of the best words we can use when communicating are: I understand.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you can get into the habit of responding to every communication with the first two words being \u2018I understand,\u2019 generally you will disarm 80% of any negative or resistant energy right then and there. Even if you don\u2019t understand, you say, \u201cCan you clarify that for me just a little bit more?\u201d It\u2019s all about listening, yes? Make them feel heard and understood. Once you\u2019re past that stage, work on the convincing part next.<\/strong><\/p>\n What else have we instinctively learned about what to say? There’s something you don’t want to say after someone has shared their opinions or feelings, and that’s the dreaded \u2018but\u2019. What usually happens when you say, \u201cYeah, I see what you\u2019re saying, but \u2026\u201d The other person gets that impatient or irritated look like you just negated everything they were talking about. <\/strong>Even if you originally convinced them that you knew where they were coming from, now that’s gone.<\/p>\n\n
Demonstrate Understanding Through Your Words<\/h3>\n
Avoid Using Negative Language<\/h3>\n