Success Advice

19 Tactics That Successful People Use To Communicate Effectively

Published

8 years ago

Mar 2, 2016

how successful people communicate effectively

No doubt you’ve had that feeling. The feeling of a creative breakthrough. You’re immediately charged with the energy of a new idea. Your skin literally itches, you want to share this with someone.

So you find someone to tell. You are about to birth this genius to the world, and then……crickets. Ouch. It’s not even anything they say. They nod, they mmhhm, they’re polite. But the lack of enthusiasm shows in their face. It’s almost as cold as a rejection.

Frustrating isn’t it? But what if there were ways to carry ideas from your mind to theirs, without any thoughts getting lost on the journey? Well, there are, it’s simply a matter of improving your communication skills.

Here are 19 communication tips that are known by movers and shakers the world over, from Steve Jobs to Oprah Winfrey:

1. Follow the 3 second rule

When someone stops talking and you’re worried about interrupting them, count to three before you jump in. Some people talk with extra-long pauses and it’s hard to build rapport, in this case the 3 second rule will stop you from coming across as rude or abrupt.

2. Move and speak 30% slower

Quick and erratic movements and speech communicates uncertainty, nervousness, and a general inability to manage your energy. On the other hand slow and deliberate movements communicate power and a confidence that comes from experience.

3. Relax your neck and shoulders

We hold a lot of tension in our upper body, by letting your body communicate how comfortable you are, you allow the person you’re talking to to feel more comfortable.

“I remember Tyra Banks giving me encouraging advice during my first Victoria’s Secret commercial shoot. I was so nervous, and she told me to just relax and be confident – that made me feel very comfortable.” – Adriana Lima

4. Listen and Repeat

By paraphrasing what the other person has said you show that you’re really paying attention and absorbing their input.

5. Put your phone on silent

Although it’s very common for people to let their phones ring mid conversation, that doesn’t mean it should be done. Think of a conversation like two people dancing, every time a phone rings it’s like the DJ has changed the song abruptly and the rhythm of the interaction is interrupted.

6. Nod your head

Don’t just sit there stiff and staring blankly while the other person is talking. Nodding your head is a simple way to show that you’re still listening.

7. Point your body and feet towards the person you’re talking to

When we want to leave a conversation, we unconsciously point our feet towards where we want to go. Show they have your undivided attention by pointing yourself in their direction.

8. Don’t touch your face

This is a nervous tick that most of us have, it subtly conveys uncertainty or even distrust.

9. Sit up straight

What your 4th grade teacher used to screech at you actually has some merit. It’s good for your confidence, charisma, and even digestion—but again, make sure you are relaxed and not tense.

10. Assume the best of people

People to a large extent mirror what you expect of them. Johann Goethe said “If we take man as he is, we make him worse. But if we take him as he should be, then we make him capable of becoming what he can be.”

11. Stop thinking about your next brilliant sentence

When the other person is speaking, most people spend 90% of the time thinking about what to say next, and only 10% actually listening—don’t be most people.

12. Mirror and lead

When talking to someone with lower or higher energy than you, you want to match the tone, cadence, and tempo of their speech, then slowly lead them in the direction you want them to go.

13. Break eye contact to the side

Looking down is another way you might be conveying discomfort, it can also suggest the end of a conversation.

14. Speak in human terms

Whenever trying to get an idea across you want to talk about it in terms of the benefits for the other person. For example, if you are telling them your idea for a book or product, explain how it could help someone like them before you talk about what you consider are interesting features.

15. Memorize quotes

Quotes are an effective and memorable way to reinforce the points you’re making, just make sure to use them sporadically.

16. Know your ticks

Everyone has small ticks in interpersonal conversations, whether it’s rubbing your hands together or scratching your nose. Watching yourself on camera is a great way to identify and eliminate them.

17. Never text and talk

If you need to text mid-conversation, say excuse me I just need to message X for X reason, and when you’ve sent the message, put the phone away.

“I like to talk to people. I’ve got one assistant, one Blackberry. That’s my overhead. I don’t text that much or email. I like to sit down face-to-face and have a conversation with you. I’m old-fashioned.” – Mark Wahlberg

18. Emphasize with gestures

When you are making a point, it’s good to emphasize with gestures.

19. Show appreciation

Take every opportunity to tell someone that you appreciate them, whether it’s their work, their ideas, their influence on you—people will always enjoy it and even start returning the courtesy.

Communication is such a basic a skillset, that most of us don’t learn it unless we take a course on it. Follow these tips and you’ll start to see a big difference in the way you are communicating with people and how receptive they are to your ideas.

Which communication tip is your style? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

Up Next

10 Success Tips From My $100M Friend Turned Homeless Man

Don't Miss

5 Traps That Are Holding You Back From Success

Benjamin Fishel

Benjamin Fishel is co-creator of Project Monkey Mind where he helps young professionals and solopreneurs channel their passions, improve their mindset, and lead a world-changing life.

1 Comment

Success Advice

15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You

The journey towards transformation is not about perfection but about progress

Published

2 days ago

Apr 24, 2024

Alex Kirney

What habits can truly transform your life? That’s what you’re here to uncover. In our no-nonsense guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 habits to change your life, each with the power to improve your day-to-day existence. (more…)

Success Advice

19 Common Characteristics All Visionary Leaders Have

Published

3 days ago

Apr 23, 2024

M.S. Rao

When you look at business leaders like Bill Gates, Sam Walton, Sir Richard Branson, and philosophers like Bertrand Russell, Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Wittgenstein, David Bohm, C. S. Peirce and inventors like Nikola Tesla, Paolo Soleri, Harvey W. Bailey, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Wright brothers and political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi, it becomes very clear that they are all connected through one leadership—visionary leadership. (more…)

Success Advice

Wealth Lessons Everyone Should Hear for Every Stage of Your Life

Do you have the courage to rewrite your story?

Published

1 week ago

Apr 19, 2024

Bart Zandbergen

Do you see what I see? Likely not, as we each see ourselves through the lens of our own story. (more…)

Success Advice

How to Choose the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers

Published

2 weeks ago

Apr 10, 2024

Addicted2Success Editor

how to choose the best affiliate programs for your blog

Picking the right affiliate programs for your blog is really important. It can make a big difference in how much money you can make and how much your readers get out of your blog. With so many choices out there, deciding which ones to go with can be tricky.

This guide is here to make it easier for you. It will give you clear steps and helpful tips to choose affiliate programs that fit well with what your blog is about, what your readers like, and what you stand for.

For more articles on this theme, please head over to this blog https://blog.partners1xbet.com/.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Before you start picking affiliate programs, it’s important to really understand what affiliate marketing is and how it works.

Basically, affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or service on your blog, and then you get paid a little bit every time someone buys something or does something because you recommended it.

It’s great for both the person selling the product and the blogger, because the seller gets more sales with low risk, and the blogger can make money from their blog.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

1. Assess Your Niche and Audience

The key to doing well in affiliate marketing starts with really knowing what your blog is about and who reads it. Consider the following:

Your blog’s content: What topics do you cover? Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant.
Your audience’s interests and needs: What solutions are they seeking? Choose affiliate programs that offer products or services that solve their problems or enhance their lives.

2. Research Potential Affiliate Programs

Once you know what your blog is about and what your readers want, start looking for affiliate programs. Choose ones that are well-known for good products, great customer service, and helpful support for affiliates. Resources to find these programs include:

Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, and ClickBank.
Direct searches for “[Your Niche] affiliate programs” in search engines.
Recommendations from other bloggers in your niche.

3. Evaluate the Commission Structure

The commission structure is a critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer competitive rates that make your efforts worthwhile. Consider:

The percentage of commission per sale.
Whether the program offers a flat rate per action (e.g., per sign-up).
The cookie duration, which affects how long after a click you can earn commissions on sales.

4. Consider the Program’s Reputation and Sureness

Join affiliate programs with a solid reputation for quality and sureness. This not only ensures that you’re promoting good products but also that you’ll be paid on time. You can:

Read reviews from other affiliates.
Check the program’s history and background.
Look for any complaints or issues reported online.

5. Analyze the Support and Resources Offered

A good affiliate program gives you things like ads to use, training on their products, and helpful managers. Having access to these resources can really help you do a better job at promoting their products.

6. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before signing up, thoroughly review the program’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:

Payment thresholds and methods.
Any restrictions on how you can promote their products.
The program’s policy on affiliate marketing on social media platforms.

7. Test the Product or Service

If possible, test the product or service before promoting it. This firsthand experience allows you to offer genuine charge and build trust with your audience.

8. Look for Recurring Commission Opportunities

Some affiliate programs pay you again and again for subscriptions or services that charge fees regularly. These can provide a more stable income compared to one-time sales commissions.

Implementing Your Choice

After choosing the best affiliate programs, the next step is to smoothly include your affiliate marketing in your content plan. This includes:

Creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate links.
Disclosing your affiliate affairs transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
Tracking your results to understand what works best for your audience and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Picking the best affiliate programs for your blog involves careful planning, research, and making sure they match what your audience likes and needs.

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers.

The real key to doing well with affiliate marketing isn’t just about the products you talk about, but also how much your audience trusts and values your advice.

With enough time, patience, and hard work, your blog can grow into a successful space that earns a good amount of affiliate money and helps your readers choose the right products.