Losing Your Voice…Practical Communication Strategies so Everyone is Heard
In this issue: Losing Your Voice…Practical Communication Strategies so Everyone is Heard / 5 Tips for Talking to Your Doctor / The best travel-tested skincare tips, according to flight crews / The Lighter Side of Poor Communication
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Losing Your Voice… Practical Communication Strategies so Everyone is Heard
In a world filled with noise, have you ever felt like your voice gets lost in all the noise?
You’re not alone.
It's a sentiment many of us can relate to—when our opinions go unheard, contributions unnoticed, and we feel seemingly unimportant.
But what if I told you that this feeling of voicelessness extends far beyond silence?
This past weekend, I found myself unable to speak because of a nasty case of laryngitis.
As I sat in silence (definitely not my usual state), I reflected on the times when I felt metaphorically voiceless—when my ideas were dismissed, my concerns brushed aside, and my identity diminished.
My experience is similar to many who struggle to be heard and understood amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Imagine for a moment the frustration of being in a meeting where your suggestions are overlooked, or the isolation of trying to express yourself in a world that at times seems to value conformity over creativity.
These are the moments that chip away at our sense of self-worth and confidence and leave us wondering what we have to contribute.
While it’s not simple to change the people who often seem enamored with the sound of their own voices, there are things you can do to improve how you show up to increase the chances that you’ll be heard.
Ways to ensure that your words carry greater weight and meaning for your audiences.
The answer lies in the art of supercommunication—an approach to interpersonal interaction that emphasizes empathy, active listening, and genuine connection.
Recently, I purchased Charles Duhigg's latest book (in case you don’t know who he is, he’s the author who changed many of our lives with “The Power of Habit :), The Power of Supercommunication.
In this insightful guide, Duhigg explores the principles and practices that can transform anyone
Going from Voiceless to Master Communicator:
Empathy & Deep Listening: Instead of simply waiting for your turn to speak, strive to understand the perspectives and experiences of others. Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues and engage in active listening techniques such as "looping for understanding."
Openness & Self-Disclosure: Foster trust and connection by being willing to share information about yourself. Authenticity breeds authenticity, and by opening up, you encourage others to do the same.
Ask Questions: Demonstrate a genuine interest in others by asking thoughtful questions that go beyond the surface-level conversation. This shows that you value their perspective and are eager to learn more.
Understand Conversational Needs: Adapt your communication style to meet the needs of the situation. Whether the conversation calls for problem-solving, emotional support, or simply friendly banter, tailor your approach accordingly.
The Power of Laughter: Don't underestimate the role of humor in building rapport and fostering connection. Shared laughter can break down barriers and create a sense of camaraderie.
The Matching Principle: Mirror the behavior and communication style of the person you're engaging with to establish rapport and build trust.
Preparation: Come to conversations with some conversation starters or icebreakers in mind. Being prepared can help alleviate awkwardness and facilitate smoother communication.
While these principles won’t guarantee your voice is always heard, they’re the basis for building meaningful connections and fostering understanding.
By developing your communication skills and nurturing relationships, you'll increase the likelihood of your opinions being valued in any discussion.
So, embrace empathy, active listening, and openness to make a real impact in your interactions and watch your relationships and opportunities grow.
A Few Additional Communication Books:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss
Influence by Robert Cialdini
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown
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5 Tips for Talking to Your Doctor
Doctors appointments can be difficult. You may feel stressed and/or upset and yet, have limited time to get the answers to the questions you need. Here are a few tips to make this brief time more useful.
The best travel-tested skincare tips, according to flight crews
Dryness, acne, oiliness: Here’s how to solve airplane skin issues, before, during and after a flight…from the people who know best.
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The Lighter Side of Poor Communication
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
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Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)