Creating Communication Magic
If we want become great communicators, we need to know how to step back and see the communication process as it happens. This means that we are able to notice the kinds of words, body language and voice qualities that a person is using and use this information to understand how that person thinks.
One of the most important understandings of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) is that ‘the map is not the territory’. We take in information from around us through our senses, in particular our sight, hearing and feelings. We then interpret this information in our own individual way, depending on a whole host of things such as our beliefs, experiences, upbringing, culture etc.
In other words, we create our own individual map of reality – and this is always going to be different from what is actually ‘out there’ i.e. the ‘territory’. Not only that, every person’s map will be different from everyone else’s.
To be great communicators, then, we must be great observers. Only when we have taken the trouble to stand back and notice how another person is communicating can we begin to understand their map. How do they express themselves? What kinds of key words and phrases do they use? What do their gestures and facial expression tell us? What are they saying with their tone of voice?
A final word: just being aware that other people’s maps are different from our own is a simple step towards communication excellence, as this creates tolerance and a desire to investigate and understand. This alone can help us to create great performance.
James Irvine, Team Egyii, Singapore
Tags: Communication Skills
