Conversation is an engaging dialogue that enhances the ability to think while speaking. For a long time, there was a stereotype that stable communication skills could not be deliberately developed. However, psychologists have disproved this notion, offering various methods, including daily practice, as an effective way to improve communication.
How is communicative ability formed?
Speech development begins at birth. A passive vocabulary is activated through emotional expression. In other words, a child first utters words that best reflect their physiological state.
The next stage of communication development is conscious speech, which consists of structured sentences that convey thought processes.
Effective understanding of the conversation partner
We perceive others through emotions and feelings. The goal of effective understanding is to provide a thoughtful response rather than merely expressing personal perceptions and stereotypes triggered by an initial reaction.
- Example 1:
- “I understand that you’re scared. I’m also afraid of the dentist.”
- This response lacks effective understanding, as it only expresses tolerance (recognizing the fear but not responding with engagement). Although a conversation occurs, the other person may feel misunderstood or disappointed. They might either verbalize their frustration (“You don’t really care about how I feel”) or remain silent if they are not close to the speaker.
- Example 2:
- “Are you afraid of the pain or of the medical environment—like medications, tools, or equipment?”
- This question avoids personal emotions but engages the conversation partner with effective understanding.
- “The sound of the drill gives me goosebumps, and the smell of anesthesia makes me feel dizzy.” (Now, the topic is expanding.)
- “This may be an unusual suggestion, but try listening to music through headphones to block out the drill noise. Also, let the dentist know about your reaction to anesthesia.”
- Here, the dialogue reaches a productive outcome by offering a practical solution.
Supporting friends, colleagues, or relatives can be done through interactive conversations, such as in online chats (e.g., wedaf.com). Expanding one’s social circle through daily communication enhances the effectiveness of understanding naturally, as social interactions satisfy the fundamental human need for learning and connection.
The strategy for eliminating doubts
Spoken dialogue is a tool for achieving clarity. Doubts arise from two factors:
- A lack of information
- Ambivalence (a mixed or contradictory perception of something)
Clarity is achieved through questions and answers, helping establish a course of action to navigate a situation.
A natural reaction to questions is often fear or anxiety. Psychologists suggest reading a question twice before answering to manage emotional responses. Practicing this daily builds resilience to stress, improving the ability to articulate thoughts clearly under pressure.
Developing tactfulness
Conversations often touch on personal topics. Well-developed tactfulness helps in formulating appropriate questions while respecting the conversation partner’s feelings and boundaries. This balance of attentiveness and respect prevents excessive intrusiveness or pressure.
Proper self-expression
As speech develops, individuals transition from expressing emotions to articulating thoughts more effectively. Daily communication practice, combined with expert-recommended exercises, enhances self-expression:
- Writing down thoughts and reading them aloud – This exercise improves awareness and articulation.
- Expanding vocabulary – It’s important to maintain a balance between simple everyday words and specialized terminology appropriate to different contexts.
A great way to refine self-expression is by discussing professional topics in casual language, avoiding overly technical jargon. Online chats provide a convenient format for this exercise.
Enhancing conscious speech
People communicate their reactions to events and experiences through speech. Awareness develops progressively:
- What I feel:
- “I’m hot.”
- “I’m scared.”
- “I’m full.”
- What I know (factual information):
- “There was a thunderstorm today.”
- “I saw lightning strike.”
- “Migratory birds leave this region in the fall.”
- “It’s my friend’s birthday today, and I’ve prepared a gift.”
- What I think (logical reasoning):
- “There are dark clouds on the horizon. The wind is picking up. A storm is coming.”
- Here, the ability to predict events based on known signs is being developed.
Speech development is a natural process. The goal of daily communication practice is to refine verbal structures, making speech more engaging and meaningful to others.
Constructive dialogue
The depth of a conversation depends on the participants’ communication skills and the topic being discussed.
- Example 1:
- “It rained yesterday.”
- “Yes, I saw that it was raining yesterday.”
- (A basic exchange of facts with minimal engagement.)
- Example 2:
- “After eating fried potatoes, I always feel thirsty.”
- “For me, it causes heartburn.”
- (More personal but still a simple exchange of experiences.)
- Example 3:
- “It must be terrifying to encounter a bear in the forest.”
- “I don’t think so—it would actually be a fascinating experience.”
- (This conversation encourages different perspectives, making it more constructive and engaging.)
All three examples contain exchanges of remarks, but the third example demonstrates a more developed, thought-provoking interaction.
Conclusion
Daily communication practice plays a crucial role in improving conversational skills. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, eliminating doubts, developing tact, and enhancing self-expression, individuals sharpen their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and confidently.
Applying these strategies not only improves personal interactions but also strengthens professional communication, making conversations more engaging and effective.
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