How To Be a Socially Intelligent Communicator

Socially intelligent communication means being able to listen deeply and openly and sending clear, credible, convincing messages. 

Great communicators are effective in give and take. They listen and seek mutual understanding, fostering open communication and staying receptive bad news (without becoming defensive and dealing with difficult issues straightforwardly) as well as good, speaking effectively in front of small and large groups. 

Lack of communication skills is quite common in our society. People fail to listen, keep interrupting and find fault in what others say. they have a tendency to communicate with ridicule, threats or emotional outburst. In generale, they lack consideration and 

These people are difficult to connect with, unable to establish rapport and unapproachable, and others may prefer to avoid them. They lack consideration and tact when others express their opinions and may express their ideas in a dogmatic manner, unwilling to change their way of thinking. 

Keeping in mind that we are social animals and life is about relationships, improving your communication skills is a must for improving all aspects of your life. Below are some tips: 

• Learn about people’s psychology, human behavior, influence and persuasion.
• Be open and approach people in a positive way, welcoming their ideas and opinions. 
• View all interactions as orientation to service.
• Listen. Relationships can be improved by improving your listening skills. A great gift (rare in modern life) is to truly listen. This number one way to improve communication.
• Learn to customize your communication and foster two-way communication.
• Seek first to understand what the other person is saying or trying to say. Do not jump do conclusions. Ask questions to clarify, paraphrase, repeat what you think you heard. Ask a lot of (open ended, unbiased, neutral) questions that leader the conversation in a positive direction.
• Manage your emotions and be empathetic.
• Read and learn about stoicism.
• Always maintain composure. Communicate clearly. Keep your communication constructive and convey a constructive attitude and positive intent (to support and not diminishing or putting down others).
• Study and learn various communication styles (e.g. The Four DISC Styles of Leadership Communication).
• Improve your situational awareness.
• Work with a Social and Emotional Intelligence certified Coach to improve your skills.

"Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” — Paul J. Meyer

Social and emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of our own emotions and those of others, in the moment, and to use that information to manage ourselves and manage our relationships. —The Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence