improve my communication skills

At the moment, my idea is to watch interviews with people who are good at talking (like, for example, Angelina Jolie) on youtube. If I watch lots of good communication, I can then learn from it..

Plus.. I just like watching Angelina Jolie :) :)

A couple of days ago I sent off for a book from amazon called ‘101 ways to improve your communication skills’. It’s probably going to arrive tomorrow, I can’t wait!

I’ve read lots of positive reviews for this book, and it was the first one that came up on google when I searched for books on communication skills, so I’m hoping it’s going to be a help in achieving this goal!

I’m going to focus on this, particularly after my exams, as it’s really important. Some random ideas:

• video a conversation with someone
• practice explaining something while looking at the mirror (surprisingly hard!)
• learn to speak more slowly and clearly
• don’t interrupt people, or finish their sentences for them! (I’m really, really bad at this!!)
• don’t say things you don’t mean, but try not to openly disagree with people either

• watch interactions between people whose style I admire, and copy
• read news every day
• begin to notice body language, and make sure it’s open
• reduce any nervous gestures or movements

When entering an environment, look around you for visual clues (eg decor, unusual items, something on which to comment). Consider bringing own conversation piece (eg unusual acessory, jewellery etc), so people find it easy to start a conversation with you about it.

1. always say what you really think, not what others expect you to say.
2. BUT listen openly to others’ opinions.
3. listen carefully to what others are saying, and always assume they are saying exactly what they want to say. this shows respect.
4.

To really become a good conversationalist over the long term it is necessary to acquire the habit of conscientiously stocking your mind with facts and information and then forming opinions on the basis of that knowledge. (From the art of conversation)