Basic Communication Tools

haha. i've borrowed some project management books from the library just so that i can learn from the experts on how to handle a project.

it's not just gonna be a ball - it's gonna be more than a ball :) (Lam, 2008)

i'm currently reading a book called "Managing peope, including yourself" by Culp and Smith (1992).

Some basic communication tools for effective interpersonal coomunnications:

• actively listen
• do not judge or evaluate the other person
• demonstrate empathy and understanding
• ask open questions
• check your perceptions of what others are saying (*mm, important!*)
  
• check the perceptions that others have of what you said (*agree!*)
  
• concentrate on the other person, even though your mind may want to race ahead at a speed higher than that of the spoken words (*glo nods head vigorously*)
  
• give feedback effectively
• be generous with praise that is deserved
• be open to receive feedback without reacting emotionally
• evaluate verbal and nonverbal signals
• be sure that your verbal and nonverbal signals are in alignment
• be enthusiastic (haha.. i think i have too much of that.. might scare ppl of at times ;p)
• look beyond the appearance of the person for the message
• use language that is understandable to the other person
• be conscious of and control the nonverbal messages that you send

though we may have heard of all these 'principles' through different channels, but i believe that effective communication is a life-long learning process. it's always good to be reminded :) and i will put these tools into practice not only for Malam, but for life ;)

effective communication will definitely be a valuable tool for a smooth flow for the night ;) most importantly, i will get to know the team members even better as we learn from each other.

i like what Carl Rogers said:

"a sensitive ability to hear, a deep satisfaction in being heard, an ability to be more real, which in turn brings forth more realness from others... herein my experience are the elements that make interpersonal communication enriching and enhancing."

will continue to post up stuff that i'm learning as i read :p haha. 3 more books to read ;) pretty much my bed-time story book or toilet newspaper or bus trip books :p