Communication with and on social media is faster and more intensive than ever before. This has led to an overload of information, which often contributes to confusion, misunderstandings and a general brutalization of the tone. It is therefore important to return to the basics of human interaction and promote open and respectful discourse.
Listening: The Lost Art
Listening is an often neglected skill. In a world so focused on “talking” and “sharing,” listening is often neglected. That's a shame, because good listening can mean the difference between a productive conversation and a frustrating one.
Listening doesn’t just mean hearing the other person’s words. It also means understanding your feelings, views and concerns. When you listen, you signal to the other person that you respect them and are interested in what they have to say. This can help create a positive atmosphere and avoid misunderstandings.
Tip: The 5 second rule
One method that encourages listening is the 5-second rule. If someone stops speaking, wait five seconds before responding. This short pause gives you the opportunity to think about what was said and give a considered response. It also signals to the other person that you are taking what they say seriously and thinking about it, rather than just waiting for the next opportunity to speak.
The power of words: Speak carefully
The words we choose can have a big impact on how our message is received. Aggressive or disrespectful language can quickly lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. On the other hand, a benevolent and respectful choice of words can help break down barriers and promote productive communication.
Choose your words carefully and always think about the possible impact. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and think about how your words might affect them. Avoid offensive or derogatory expressions and instead emphasize commonalities and shared goals.
Tip: The sandwich method
When it comes to giving criticism, the sandwich method can be very helpful. This method is to start with a positive comment, then give the criticism and end with another positive comment. In this way, the person being criticized can deal with the situation better because they do not feel attacked.
Openness: The basis for progress
Another important component of healthy discourse is openness. This means being open to new ideas and opinions and being willing to reconsider your own point of view.
No one is always right and we can all learn from the experiences and wisdom of others. Be willing to reconsider your views and be open to the possibility of learning something new. Avoid belittling others or devaluing their opinions.
Tip: The “Yes, and…” method
An effective method for encouraging openness is the “Yes, and…” method. Instead of saying “Yes, but…” try “Yes, and…”. This promotes collaboration and creates a positive atmosphere.
Conclusion: Improving our communication is a worthwhile, if often difficult, task. It requires patience, practice and the will to overcome old habits. But the reward – respectful, humane and productive discourse – is well worth it. Start using these tips and techniques in your daily conversations with your employees. You'll soon find that they not only lead to better conversations, but also contribute to a stronger and more harmonious community. And remember: the journey to better communication starts with a single step - so why not start today?
Also read:
Guide: Recognizing and responding to propaganda on social media
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )