Whether you’re in a meeting, on the phone, or chatting via instant messaging in the workplace, respecting conversational etiquette is key to building relationships and making the most of your interactions with others.
The best way to demonstrate respect is by thinking like the other person. This means learning to empathize with the other person, which can be difficult to do, but it’s important for social and professional success.
Pay Attention
It may seem like an old-fashioned tip, but it is absolutely critical to respect the conversational etiquette. It’s easy to get caught up in small talk and think that it isn’t important, but it can be one of the best tools for building relationships with other people.
If you’re not sure if someone is paying attention, try to make eye contact and nod occasionally. You can also ask questions to confirm what you hear and to avoid interrupting the speaker.
Not only can you communicate more effectively with others, but you can learn a lot from them as well. You’ll be able to understand what they’re saying more easily, and you’ll likely pick up on grammar exceptions and new structures as you go along.
Don’t Interrupt
Interrupting is rude, and it usually negatively affects the conversation. It makes the other person feel that they are not being listened to, or that their thoughts aren’t important.
A common reason people interrupt is when they are talking too quickly or changing the topic abruptly. This can be an indicator of a mismatch in communication styles.
Another way to break the habit of interrupting is by showing that you are listening instead. Maintaining eye contact and using silent cues like nodding can help show you are engaged in the conversation.
Sometimes interrupting can boost your leadership presence, but it can backfire, especially if you interject when someone senior to you is speaking. To avoid these complications, try to remember that interruptions can be either power displays or rapport displays.
Listen to the Other Person’s Point of View
Listening to the other person’s point of view can be an important part of maintaining a good relationship. This is especially true if the other person has different beliefs or opinions than you do.
A good listener understands how to make people feel heard and respected. This can include responding to a statement or experience in a way that validates the other person’s viewpoint.
It can also mean avoiding certain topics that might hurt someone else’s feelings or cause an argument. This includes political comments and religion-related discussions.
Don’t Repeat Yourself
Repeating yourself is a common habit that can negatively impact your ability to communicate effectively. It can also make you appear absentminded or unable to coherently convey your thoughts.
It’s especially important to not repeat yourself during an interview, presentation or speech. This can cause others to forget important information that they need to remember.
Keeping yourself short and to the point is a great way to avoid repetition. Try to use notes during these types of social interactions.
It’s a good idea to practice your public speaking skills by reading a speech or poem. This will help you remember what to say and how to speak in front of an audience.
Be Open to Other People’s Ideas
Being open to other people’s ideas and perspectives is an important part of critical thinking. It helps us see all of the factors contributing to problems and come up with practical solutions. It also enables us to step outside our comfort zones in an increasingly polarized world.
Whether you are a teacher, parent, or entrepreneur, open-mindedness is a desirable character quality. It enables you to think critically and rationally, which is necessary for learning and personal growth.
Moreover, being open-minded can help you feel more optimistic about the future. This attitude can inspire you to be more creative and look for ways to improve your life.