Dale Carnegie said, “if you want to win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. Therein is a drop of honey that catches his heart.”
Positive communication is not just about the absence of negative verbal communication but rather the presence of positive, enhancing discussion.
Why Is Good Communication Important?
Communication is about speaking and listening in ways that build connections with others. Our correct and thoughtful use of language helps us interact and get along with people.
People in large networks and close relationships tend to be healthier, happier, and live longer than those in isolation or with negative relationships (Pitts & Socha, 2013).
Here are verbal and nonverbal examples of positive communication that can enhance your rapport and closeness with those around you and improve your health and wellbeing.
1. Listening
It’s not just about listening but listening profoundly and fully. According to Newberg and Waldman (2012), you must “train your mind to stay focused on the person who is speaking: their words, tone, gestures, facial cues–everything.”
Being fully listened to and understood is the most commonly cited communication area that is sought after in a relationship.
2. Empathy
Being able to demonstrate empathy appropriately is a vital component of positive communication with others
Here are some skills to enhance your empathy:
- Quiet your mind to focus on the person speaking.
- Listen through the words.
- Avoid interrupting them when they’re talking.
- Use your own words to reflect back on what you’ve heard them say.
3. Non-verbal Positive Communication
Researchers define positive communication as having the presence of positive, enhancing, and facilitative talk and gestures.
Nonverbal cues, along with positive reinforcers such as head nodding and smiling, speech fluidity, and gestures, signal to the speaker that we are committed and interested in what they have to say. This is part of active listening or attending to the conversation.
Concluding Thoughts
Someone once said you could make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
Each of us has the potential to become great communicators, connecting with others and enhancing our own wellbeing.
We can be the person another always remembers fondly because of how we made them feel.
Positive communication is a skill – Let’s start by listening well!
