You hear it all the time: “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” But that’s easier said than done. Sometimes people will say something they don’t mean because they don’t want to be held accountable for their actions. They will promise to follow through on a task and then not do it, or they’ll give in to pressure from another person even though that’s against their values.
If you want to communicate effectively, you have to be able to listen and understand what other people are saying. But the most important thing to remember is that it’s not just about what you say — your tone of voice, facial expression and eye contact also communicate so much more.
For example, if you start a conversation with a question like, “How are you?” most people will answer with the same cliche lines. Instead, try asking a more unique follow-up question that will allow them to express their interests and experiences. For instance, you could ask them about the interesting piece of art hanging on their wall, their quirky gadget collection or the fact that they collect coins from various countries. This will create a more personal connection, which in turn will make them more likable.