Term Archives

Home Archive for Category: Introspective

  1. Let's Talk

    Introspective

    6 mins

    At the end of this lesson you should continue to be developing self-awareness; and be improving your communication skills. Express Your Message Being able to express yourself well is a vital part of effective communication. While your knowledge of a language will affect the words you choose, "express" is a verb meaning to convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct. To say what you want to say well and clearly you need to consider the following: What do I want to say? How do I want to say it? This includes what language you would like to communicate in as well as what method of communication to use. When should I be saying it? The timing of your communication is very important. Why am I saying it? Who do I need to be saying it to?  Sometimes we communicate with the wrong person hoping for the right results. Where should I be saying this?  Time and place can make or break communication. What Makes You a Good Expresser? Know what you want to say. Recognise your feelings. Share mixed feelings. Recognise the difference between feelings and acting on those feelings. Accept responsibility for your feelings. Choose the time and place to express your feelings. Choose the best language for the receiver and situation. Share your feelings clearly. Who Did It Best? Regardless of political affiliation, simply compare the communication styles of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Who would you prefer to listen to? Do you agree that Obama is a master at the skills discussed above? Next Let's work on your ability to convey your message. Take the introspective quiz below.

  2. Let's Listen

    Introspective

    5 mins

    At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify and improve your listening skills. Listening is the First Element of Communication Some people are great speakers – entertaining and inspiring those around them through magical storytelling. But being a good listener is an even more important skill. Both good listening and bad listening have a remarkable impact on others. Listening goes beyond the sender’s words and accent, and delves into a deeper level of understanding. To be clear about the sender’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, you need to actively listen. What Makes a Good Listener? Paying attention - good listening means your mind is quiet. Focusing on the person - see the person talking to you. Knowing your role - every communication has a purpose and you have a role to play.  Understand what that is, and your communication will be clearer. Hearing the words - what is the content of the communication? Hearing more than the words – what are the feelings behind the words? No interrupting - it really is just rude. Being self-aware – know your own bias.  Sometimes we make up our minds about what someone is going to say before they even start.  Be open to listening to the person. Building rapport – make the connection. Having empathy - put yourself in the other person's shoes. Acknowledging that you are hearing. Getting clarity if you need to. Giving feedback appropriately. Have you ever been in conversation with an exceptionally good listener? Didn't you feel warm and fuzzy and important? That is what you are aiming for. You would look like a freak if you had two mouths and one ear! Yet, we often fall into the trap of speaking more than listening. Here is a challenge for you: For the next week, try to actively listen for double the time you speak and observe what happens. Next Complete the introspective quiz below to improve your listening skills.