Ekaati Learning

As part of our “Learning How to Learn” series,
the first question that comes to mind is - Why do we learn ?

An intention to connect - The first step towards effective communication :

Intention is the thing that drives your actions, thereby being a mental phenomena that affects behaviour. And when it comes to communication there is a factor of connection as well which needs to be considered.

Communication is a two-way process involving a sender and a receiver. And how can it not be without a connection between the sender and the receiver.

So, can we say - Connect before you try to communicate? The obvious next question then is, “Is it possible to communicate without a connection?“ Well, will that communication be effective? Will it achieve the intended purpose? Would it be like talking to the walls and the inanimate objects around? How could we then afford to miss out on the most crucial aspect of effective communication, “the connection” itself?

Make that connection even before you gather your thoughts on how to communicate certain topics/ ideas/ news/ information.
- Be clear on your intention to communicate
- Acknowledge the presence of the person in the sense that you have an audience while you speak.
- Be sensitive to their feelings/ thoughts.
- Lookout for non-verbal hints.
- Pay attention. Listen when someone is talking to you.
- Show empathy.
- Seek feedback.
- Ask questions.
- Remember their name.
- Involve them in the process.
- Care about them. Remember they have their perspectives too.
- Be prepared to change course during communication if it feels appropriate.
- It is ok to avoid certain information if it is beneficial to those involved.
Finally remember, at times “silence” speaks, even more than words would ever could…

Experiments show that people primarily communicate not by words but by emotions. Hence it is important that you connect to your audience through the non-verbal means to make your communication effective.

-- The initiative