9 Feb 2024

How To Create Connecting Conversations

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TagsCan Do Academy, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Public Speaking Tips

By Mary Eniolu | 02 February 2024

Communication is more than just words on a screen or the sound of a voice through a speaker. It’s about understanding, empathy, and building relationships. Whether it’s a virtual meeting, an email exchange, or a social media interaction, the ability to connect with others on a human level remains paramount.

Here are some strategies to creating connecting conversations even in a highly digital world.

1. Be Authentic

People can spot a fake a mile away. Be genuine in your interactions. Share your thoughts, experiences, and emotions openly and honestly. Share personal stories and show genuine interest. In others In order to be authentic, your words, thoughts, feelings, and actions have to be congruent. Who we really are always speaks louder than what we say.

“Who you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. Listen Actively

In a world filled with distractions, being an active listener sets you apart. Pay attention to what others are saying without interrupting or formulating your response prematurely. I know this can be very difficult depending on your personality type, especially when you are convinced you know exactly where they are headed and what they are about to say. It can be tempting to want to jump in to save everyone some time, don’t do it. People won’t listen unless they feel they’ve been listened to. Listening to understand rather than to respond demonstrates respect and fosters deeper connections.

3. Be Empathetic

Seek to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. It does not mean you have to agree with their point of view, but empathy bridges the gap between individuals and cultivates a sense of understanding and compassion. So, seek first to understand, then to be understood.

4. Be Clear and Concise

In a digital world where attention spans are fleeting, clarity is key. Put some thought into the message you want to get across and the intended recipients. Put yourself in their shoes and think about the most effective way you can communicate the message so the recipient can understand and receive it. Use simple language and avoid jargon whenever possible. You don’t make a basket when the ball leaves your hand, but when it lands in the net.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” – George Bernard Shaw

5. Make Time and Effort

Despite the promises of technological progress to streamline our activities, the truth is, we’ve ended up setting higher expectations for ourselves regarding daily productivity. Consequently, we find ourselves busier than ever before. However, if genuine connection is what you seek, carving out time and proactively initiating meaningful conversations becomes imperative. Building meaningful connections requires time and demands dedication and energy, yet the rewards far outweigh the investment.

The art of communicating to connect is more important than ever in our increasingly digital world. By embracing these strategies, we can foster deeper connections and build more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally. So, let’s strive to communicate not just to convey information but to truly connect with others on a human level.

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I hope you have found this blog helpful. Please feel free to leave your comments. I would very much love to hear from you.

Mary Eniolu – Speaker, Trainer, and Coach
Mary is an author, professional speaker and certified trainer, and coach. She is the founder of Can Do Academy, a training and development company offering CPD accredited training and coaching solutions to individuals and organizations, helping them to achieve peak performance and desired outcomes.