7) Speak from an “I” perspective. This helps during conflict. Speaking about how a situation affected you, rather than placing blame on the other person. For example, “I felt…” rather than, “You did…” This can help to diffuse a potential argument or conflict and still provide a resolution.
8) Communication is a two way street. Allow for everyone to have a turn to speak. Avoid interrupting other people when they are speaking, instead, allow him or her turn to finish the thought before offering your own opinion. Effective communication is based on mutual understanding.
9) Use a tape recorder and tape yourself speaking. This can help you to hear whether you speak too fast, too slowly, in a monotone or other places your speech can use improvement.
10) Ask questions. A conversation should be an exchange of ideas between two or more people. Take the time to ask questions about what the other person is saying. This will show you are paying attention but also that you are interested in what he or she has to say and what his or her opinion may be.
11) Be conscious of non-verbal cues. Many times rudeness shows up, not in what someone says, but through non-verbal cues. Some examples can be yawning while someone is speaking or looking in another direction while someone is speaking to you. Make sure you are paying attention physically as well.
