Life-Changing Skill #5: Getting to the Point
Improving your communication skills is one of the best way to improve all aspects of your life. From your friendships to your romances and your workplace, communicating effectively is a vastly undervalued skill. When you can express your ideas so that everyone understands both your point and where you're coming from, you tend to earn more respect and get a better response. Since "communication" is an incredibly broad term, we've focused in on one incredibly useful skill: getting to the point.
Defy the Communication Stereotypes
Women have long held a reputation for being verbose. And while a chatty style can be great in some environments--like talking with a gal pal on the phone--it can be lethal in others. When you take the long road to get to the point, you've lost the interest of your listeners before you've even gotten your viewpoint across. You can see how damaging this could be in the workplace, but it can also be frustrating to boyfriends, doctors, merchants, and customer service representatives. If you'd like to start getting more positive responses and faster solutions, start getting to the point.Practice Makes Perfect
Just like the other life-changing skills, this one takes practice. More than anything, it also takes forethought. Whether you're telling your boyfriend a story or presenting your statistical findings in the workplace, you need to know the one or two major ideas you want them to walk away with. Instead of leading them to the final conclusion by taking them through your thought process or the backstory, start out with those major ideas. While it may feel wrong to lay all your cards on the table like that, you'll be guaranteed that your vital points will be heard and processed--instead of lost in a sea of "likes," "ums," and "you knows."
From there, you can fill in the rest of the story for them. Now that they have the context to process the rest of your story or presentation, you can also expect a more attentive audience. Since they know where you're headed, they're more willing to listen to the details than they otherwise might be. Plus, when you know that you're in control of a conversation or presentation, you become more confident, which shows in everything from the tone of your voice to your facial expressions.Having a Point: A Novel Idea
The most basic way to start working on perfecting the skill of getting to the point is, well, actually having a point. Beyond that, pre-scripting important conversations can be a big help. First, decide on your most important points, and limit them to three for maximum effectiveness. Then, start talking through your end of the conversation or story. All the while, write down the main things you're saying. When you're done, check your list. Cross out everything that didn't end up being vital to your end points. When you go to have the conversation, you don't have to read from this paper or even have it with you. By crossing items off the list, you'll already know what you can leave out and can let the talk flow naturally from there. As you practice this more, you won't need the first on-paper step. You'll be able to mentally edit yourself as you go, allowing for a natural yet efficient discussion.
Again, while it may sound basic or common-sensical, this skill truly can change your life and revolutionize the way you have important discussions. You can expect higher levels of attention, understanding, and respect, which will benefit everyone involved, especially you.
Discover the Seven Fab Skills:
Seven Life-Changing Skills to Learn: Introduction
Life-Changing Skill #1: Sewing on a Button
Life-Changing Skill #2: Investing in the Stock Market
Life-Changing Skill #3: Tellling a Great Joke
Life-Changing Skill #4: Creating a Signature Dish
Life-Changing Skill #5: Getting to the Point
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