Most people lack verbal communication skills due to shame and fear of being misunderstood. To get better at it, it’s important to get to a calm state of mind in order to overcome that shame and speak your mind without fearing a disconnection with the other person. If you’re getting ready for a social event, it helps to come up with a few topics in advance that would be good for small talk, like something seasonal or something related to the event you’re attending.
If you’re someone that’s usually too overstimulated to make eye contact due to anxiety, know that you’re not alone. That said, being able to look into somebody’s eyes definitely has benefits in providing connection for the two of you.
Even if you’re not relaxed or comfortable, remember that not all interactions will be pleasant or comfortable. If it’s a topic that you’re willing to talk about, it might be worth having uncomfortable conversations at times.
Note: When you are addressing a crowd, you should not look at one for more than 5 seconds. This is too personal/intimate for a group setting.
Note: Of course, you should avoid vulgar or inappropriate humor to avoid offending your listener.
When addressing groups of people, it is important to use your hand gestures to emphasize your message. Try not to be overly animated, but don’t keep your arms stiff at your side either.
Remember that fear and shame can also overcome you in professional settings, since these emotions have a great deal of control over what we communicate, hindering creativity and productivity. Overcoming these feelings and being more sure of yourself can help you communicate better with your bosses and peers.
