We spend more time on devices than interacting with people. Our world has changed. We are driven by our gadgets, smartphones, devices and technology. In these times, communication still remains one of the sure fire ways of climbing your ladder of success. Perhaps, more than ever  before.

How you communicate can make a big difference to who you are. It reflects your personality and words. Good communication requires understanding the other person more than explaining yourself. It means building a rapport with other person, connecting with them and be able to put your ideas convincingly in front of others.

Strong communication skills can boost your career, enhance your image and help you build good relationships with other people. Here is how you can be a good communicator:

1. Listen to Understand

Often good conversation and communication means being able to understand the other person. Good communicators listen to understand the other person, not to reply to them. When you connect with the other person, you can communicate with them effectively.

Listening is one of the most important skills in our world today. People are more interesting in broadcasting things about themselves in social media and rarely connect with others.

A good listener always allows other people to talk their minds. They are often good problem solvers, because they understand things at a deeper level and are more reflective in their approach.

2. Be Brief & Specific

Time is no longer a luxury that people can afford. Communication needs to be spot on, it must respect other person’s time and shouldn’t be vague.

More often than not the more you communicate, the less you’re able to convey. But when you have a short and important message, the other person will be able to perceive it better.

3. Positive Tone

One of the most important aspects of communication is to show sense of purpose and positivity. When people talk to you, they should feel energized and positive. Good communicators exude a positive vibe.

Even when you have to convey negative feedback or discuss something difficult, the tone of your language can make things easy for the other person. Positive conversations encourage and empower people to bring out their best.

4. Authenticity

Be who you are and don’t try to be someone else. You are at your best when you are authentic. An element of communication requires others to trust you. You can build trust when you’re genuine.

When you mislead others, you create troubles for yourself in the long run. Whether you’re a leader or a team member, you will be become dependable when you communicate with authenticity and sincerity.

5. Stay Open & Never Make Assumptions

One of the best habits of good communicators is that they are open minded. It means they can change their opinion after knowing the facts. They do not let ego get in their way and are willing to learn from others.

You are seen as a problem solver and a go to person, if you are open minded. Open minded people come up with the best ideas and solutions, because they’re not cluttered their minds with preconceived ideas & assumptions.

You can learn more from others when you keep an open minded approach for conversations. It is a sign of maturity in a person, when he can change his mind without a conflict and embrace a better worldview.

6. Ask Questions

Your questioning shows your curiosity. Good communicators always ask questions that are relevant and it helps them pick up information. The art of healthy communications requires learning to ask meaningful questions.

When you ask questions, listen to the other person with respect. It makes people feel valued for who they are. It also helps you learn more about them. Questions can help you connect with others and gain valuable insights from them.

7. Difficult Conversations

When you are in a professional environment, there are bound to be situations that need difficult conversations. Most people avoid these conversations until they become impossible situations.

Good communicators learn to the art of difficult situations. They communicate with empathy for the other person. They understand that putting off things will only make things worse. They are able to build bridges and build stronger relationships at workplace as well as family.