We can all learn how to be more effective communicators.
Do you ever find yourself in a meeting at the office or out at a social event and notice how someone in the room seems able to put their opinions effortlessly and succinctly across while also listening to others and giving them room to speak?
Chances are that person is a supercommunicator. The good news is, with a bit of practice, any of us can hone our skills to become more effective conversationalists. Source: BBC Science Focus.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of human interaction. Whether networking, collaborating at work, or simply chatting with friends, being a super communicator can significantly enhance your connections. In this article, we’ll explore essential communication strategies inspired by supercommunicators—those skilled individuals who excel at connecting with others. Let’s dive in and discover how you can elevate your.
Lesson plan
Objective: Students will learn and practice essential communication strategies to improve their ability to connect with others.
Introduction
- Discuss the importance of effective communication in various aspects of life (work, social, etc.).
- Introduce the concept of “supercommunicators” and their exceptional ability to connect with others.
Class activities
- Questions
- Explain the significance of asking deep, thought-provoking questions.
- Provide examples of deep questions that invite others to share their values and experiences. (See examples below:)
- Have students practice asking each other deep questions in pairs or small groups.
- Discuss the concept of active listening and its importance in effective communication.
- Introduce the technique of “looping for understanding” by asking follow-up questions and summarizing.
- Conduct a listening exercise where students practice active listening with a partner.
- Be Authentic
- Emphasize the significance of authenticity in conversations.
- Make a Connection
- Explain the ultimate goal of effective communication: making a connection.
- Discuss how aligned brain patterns lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections.
Conclusion
- Summarize the key strategies learned: asking deep questions, active listening, being authentic, and making connections.
- Encourage students to practice these strategies in their daily interactions.
- Invite students to share their experiences or thoughts on becoming supercommunicators.
The strategy
- Ask Deep Questions: Supercommunicators ask many more questions than average, inviting others to share their values and experiences. Instead of just asking about someone’s day, inquire about what inspires them in their work or life.
- Listen Actively: Truly listening means understanding and showing that you’re engaged. Use ‘looping for understanding’ by asking follow-up questions and summarizing what you’ve heard to confirm your understanding.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity is crucial in conversations. People can instinctively detect inauthentic behavior, so it’s essential to be genuine and reciprocate the vulnerability shared by others.
- Make a Connection: The ultimate goal of a conversation is to connect. When we communicate effectively, our brain patterns align, leading to a deeper understanding and a stronger connection.
Here are some examples of deep, thought-provoking questions that invite others to share their values and experiences:
- What are the most important values or principles you try to live by?
- What achievement in your life are you most proud of, and why?
- What would it be if you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice?
- What life experiences have had the most significant impact on shaping who you are today?
- What are your biggest dreams or aspirations for the future?
- If money were no object, how would you spend your time and resources?
- What causes or issues are you most passionate about, and why?
- Who has been the most influential person in your life, and what did you learn from them?
- What is the most challenging obstacle or struggle you’ve had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
- If you could converse with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
