Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Better Social Networking Communications

Social Networking is a big topic, but just saying things will not bring you the objectives you are after.  On the contrary - you may damage your realtionships - not grow them.. Here are some tips:

©  Talk with people, not at them. -        As a first step to encourage response, form a picture of your listener (or imagine them if you know them) and use this to remove the feeling of talking to a disembodied voice.

©  Remember to listen. -  Don't talk all the time.  You cannot talk and listen simultaneously.

©  Clarify as you proceed.  Ask questions, check back as you go along -it may appear impolite to ask later.

©  Maintain a two-way flow. -  Do not interrupt, let them finish each point - but make sure, if -they are talking at some length, that they know you are listening.  Say 'Yes' or 'That's right' to show you are still there.

©  Concentrate. - Shut out distractions, interruptions and 'noises off'.  It may be apparent to your listener if you are not concentrating on him - it will appear as lack of interest.

©  Do not over react. - It is easy to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about a person you cannot see - resist this temptation.

©  'Read between the lines.'  - Do not just listen to what is said, but also what is meant.  Make sure you catch any nuance, observe every reaction to what you are saying.

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