1.Get your thinking straight and get rid of any “muddled” thinking. If you have an idea that is not thought through, know that you are not prepared to communicate your idea with anyone, so you must first, organize your thoughts then proceed.

2. Say what you mean and mean what you say. People will appreciate your honesty.

3. Get to the point. Effective communicators don’t beat around the bush. Time is precious.

4. Be concise. Don’t waste words. The more words, the more the possibility to create confusion.

5. Be real. Let the real “you” come through. You will be more convincing and more comfortable with yourself. Speak with genuine integrity and let your heart share your emotions.

6. Speak in images; a picture is worth of 1,000 words. Words help people visualize concepts. Talking or sending messages is only half the process. A truly accomplished communicator must also know how to listen and receive messages.

7. After you speak it is “your” turn to listen so do it with thought and care. Listening like speaking and writing requires genuine interests and attention. Most of us retain 25% of what we hear. If you can increase your retention and comprehension you can increase your effectiveness. A sign on the wall of Linden Johnson’s senate office put it on down in earth way. “When you are talking you ain’t learning.”

8. If you use only your eyes to listen without your ears, you are missing on the message. Remember that the face is an eloquent communication medium. While the speaker is delivering the message the face is saying, “I’m serious or just kidding or even I’m hurt…” Pay close attention to the message.

9. Observe nonverbal signals when listening to people, like:
          a.      Tapping feet. When a statement is accompanied by foot tapping it’s a lack of confidence.
          b.      Rubbing fingers. If the thumb and 4th finger is rubbed together, the speaker is holding something back.
          c.      If the individual is rubbing one eye, it often means that the speaker is having trouble accepting something.
          d.      Staring and blinking usually means the topic at hand is under consideration.
          e.      Crooked smiles. Genuine smiles are symmetrical; they can be fake.
          f.       Eyes that avoid contact is a sign of low self-esteem or that the speaker is not being truthful.

10. Lastly, make things easy. Great listeners make it clear that they are interested in what the other person has to say.