Communication Skills Quotes - Page 6

Years ago, my childhood friend Steve lost his father. Since Steve had left Tallahassee shortly after high school graduation, we had not seen each other for over a decade. Upon learning of his father’s funeral, I made plans to attend to "be there." After the service, I approached the family’s receiving line. When Steve saw me, he was stunned that I had made the effort to be there for him. We both cried as we hugged and he said, “I can’t tell you what it means to me that you showed up.” Showing up sends a message that you are a devoted friend, a team player, a dedicated parent, an inspiring leader, a loyal mate, and more.

Susan C.Young

To Move from Woe to Wow with an Unhappy Customer. . . Apologize•tThank your customer for raising the issue.•tApologize sincerely–never argue. •tOwn the problem, even if it is not your fault.•tShow genuine concern in your gestures, posture, and tone of voice.•tTake your customer at their word without questioning their motives or integrity.

Susan C.Young

Hostess with the Mostest“Think of a time when you have had a party in your home or had friends over for dinner. Didn’t you want to make sure they were nurtured, cared for, and well-taken care of? Didn’t you want your guests to interact with each other and enjoy the experience so they would remember it fondly?

Susan C.Young

In his book, Networking is a Contact Sport, Joe Sweeney advises that when you attend networking events, act as if it is your party and you are the host or hostess. By doing this, you will help others be at ease and demonstrate a heart of service and generosity.

Susan C.Young

Inversely, when you are in a small group of people or friends and you don’t make the effort to speak to everyone, it may be considered as rude. Rather than run the risk of people feeling neglected or dismissed, make the effort to Mix, Mingle, and Glow . . .

Susan C.Young

Mix•tBe situationally aware and pay attention to the people in the room. •tIntroduce guests or help strike up a conversation. •tBe the one who takes the initiative and makes and effort to “work the room.”•tMake eye contact and acknowledge others with a smile and friendly gestures.•tGreet people as they arrive, even if it is not your expected role.•tSpot the people who may be first timers or guests and help them feel more welcomed and embraced.

Susan C.Young

Mingle•tBe the connector—introduce people to each other who may not otherwise connect.•tBe a conversation fire starter; point out what people have in common as you are introducing them.•tSeek out the folks who may appear to be shy, or awkward, or wallflowers. Find ways to build trust and comfort. Engage them with a kind word to pull them out of their shell.•tArrive early and stay late; connect with people before and after your event.•tStretch beyond your comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know.•tOffer to refill someone’s drink or clear their plate.•tEncourage introductions: “There is someone whom I would love for you to meet . . .

Susan C.Young

You’re Not AloneWhen I was speaking to thousands of teenagers a year, I interviewed my niece Sarah Jane, who was a high school student at the time. I asked, “What do you think would be helpful for kids to know that would make a difference in their lives.” She said, “I was terrified, but I put on a happy face so that no one else would know. What I didn’t realize is that everyone else was as scared as I was." Knowing others may feel the same way as you can make social situations feel less awkward. When approaching new people, find ways to put those at ease who might be reluctant to approach us otherwise. Where Can You Begin to Mix, Mingle & Glow?

Susan C.Young

GlowtWhat can you do and how can you be in order to bring out the best in others and truly help them shine?•tBe complimentary; say something nice.•tBe a great listener and make them feel like you are hanging on every word.•tCreate enthusiasm and anticipation for the person they are getting ready to meet.•tAct as you have personally invited them to the party and help ensure they have a wonderful time.•tGive people an experience, not just a conversation

Susan C.Young

BE HERE NOWDo you feel fully present and engaged in the way you live your life? Do you immerse yourself in the moment or do you strive and struggle as you negotiate the distractions of our modern world? It’s easy to have blind spots regarding how you are showing up for life when you are consistently bombarded with distractions, commitments, and personal preoccupations, isn’t it?

Susan C.Young

Your life is happening in the NOW, yet the present moment is often squandered by your thinking about what has happened in the past or may happen in the future.

Susan C.Young

When you are "off somewhere else" people notice. Have you found yourself in conversations in which you’re so concerned about what you are going to say next, that you don’t even hear what the other person is saying? Guilty as charged, right?

Susan C.Young

A lack of engagement sends the message that you may not care, are not interested, are too busy, or that the other person does not matter to you. Even though this is rarely your intention, it can happen when you’re not being mindful and deliberate to connect in the moment.

Susan C.Young

Being 100 percent in the moment and focusing on the person you’re with is one of the finest compliments you can offer. One of the most respectful and considerate things you can do for another is to truly be with them in the here and now.

Susan C.Young

Employee Engagement“Employee Engagement” has become a very hot topic in recent years. The escalating statistics for disengagement are alarming. In 2015, the Gallup Polls’ “The State of the American Workforce” survey found that only 32.5 percent of the U.S. Workforce is engaged and committed where they work, and 54 percent say they would consider leaving their companies if they could receive a 20 percent raise elsewhere. Disengagement not only lowers performance, morale, and productivity, but it’s costing employers billions of dollars a year. It's a growing problem, which has many companies baffled.

Susan C.Young

Why is this disengagement epidemic becoming the new norm? A few reasons I have witnessed in speaking with companies across the country include . . .•tInformation overload•tDistractions•tStress/overwhelmed•tApathy/detachment•tShort attention span•tFear, worry, anxiety•tRapidly changing technology•tEntitlement•tPoor leadership•tPreoccupation•tSocial media•tInterruptions•tMultitasking•tBudget cuts•tExhaustion•tBoredom•tConflict•tSocial insecurity•tLack of longevityThese challenges not only create separation and work dysfunction, but we are seeing it happen in relationships and personal interactions.

Susan C.Young

When you are fully present and engaged in your workplace, you will demonstrate that you care about the success of your organization, are a team player, have a can-do attitude, and will go the extra mile to fulfill and exceed expectations.

Susan C.Young

These qualities make a great impression on your boss, your teams, and your customers. You will be more respected, noticed, and appreciated in the process. As your own "CEO of Self," projecting this positive level of engagement furthers your own personal reputation and interests for healthy communication, networking, and positive first impressions. An added bonus is that YOU will receive great benefits from putting forth this type of effort. Whether it be self-esteem, new training, cooperation, experience, or a raise or bonus, the rewards are extensive and many.

Susan C.Young

11 Ways to Be More Engaged 1.tCare about others.2.tBe 100 percent in the moment. 3.tKeep focus on the person you are serving. 4.tTry to get involved, engaged, and interactive.5.tShow interest in what matters to other people by listening, acknowledging, and responding.6.tArrive in the moment anticipating creating a valuable interaction for yourself and others.7.tMove towards the things that inspire you and provide a sense of joy and connection.8.tReconnect with the essence of yourself and be grounded in that essential relationship.9.tMaintain eye contact and deliver the non-verbal cues that you are fully with the other person.10.tLimit distractions— close the door, silence your phone, hold calls, put tasks aside, etc.11.tShow up to the moment being your best and giving your best.

Susan C.Young

Just be Nice. Nice—this little word has a big meaning. Use it generously. Being nice helps people feel emotionally safe, allowing for more authentic, trusting, and happy interactions.

Susan C.Young

Be Brave. Bravery takes fortitude—put yourself on the line, even if you risk failing, falling, being embarrassed, or looking stupid—if being brave were easy, more people would be. Just try it!

Susan C.Young

Manners Matter. Courteous behavior is the hallmark of healthy relations and human interaction. Manners ensure you will be more respected, admired, and appreciated. Thank you!

Susan C.Young

With your mind alert and your eyes wide open, you will be better able to assess your space and your place for optimizing exchanges and your communication impressions.

Susan C.Young

Becoming more socially aware involves greater understanding of the dynamics of social interactions to assure you achieve harmonious outcomes.

Susan C.Young

When you are socially aware, you will realize whether you are forcing yourself into a conversation or have actually been invited to participate.

Susan C.Young

Sometimes you must earn the right to be included. Otherwise, you may appear awkward or pushy.

Susan C.Young

When a person is focused completely on self it is nearly impossible to be mindful of others at the same time. That is a contradiction for healthy communication, networking, and relationship building.

Susan C.Young

Sometimes it is better to refrain from engaging in conversation because making no impression is better than making a bad impression.

Susan C.Young

When people can't give anything and are only there for themselves, why should others use their time and energy to get involved? There's no benefit.

Susan C.Young

Do you attend networking events to give out as many cards as possible or is it your intention to deliver something of value? When you are busy charging ahead with your own agenda, you're not meeting the needs of anyone but yourself—and it's obvious!

Susan C.Young

At a Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast, two of my friends and I were standing in a circle talking. A stranger approached, interrupted our little reunion, and gave each of us her card. She then began talking about herself and her business without a hint of social awareness, or care about her interruption. She even had the tactless gall to ask us for referrals. When she left our small circle, we looked at each other and laughed, “What was that?

Susan C.Young

Situational awareness enables you to observe your periphery with a clear vision and emotional foresight, which may inevitably keep you socially, physically, or professionally out of harm's way. Connect the dots.

Susan C.Young

When you enter a room, a social situation, or a business meeting, be mindful of cues; read between the lines to better understand people and events. What do these things tell you?

Susan C.Young

How do you know when to advance the conversation or when there's something still unresolved? When you are situationally aware, you watch the body language and notice the cues that are given to you. Listening and observing are being mindful in the best sense of the word.

Susan C.Young

Being “appropriate” means being suitable, fitting, relevant, or proper in a situation. What may be appropriate in one circumstance can be terribly inappropriate in another. How does one discern? Sometimes it is simply a matter of maturity and experience.

Susan C.Young

Contextual awareness represents a continuum of behaviors, which illustrates how and why groups of people unite or divide among cultures.

Susan C.Young

When you have orientational awareness, your perceptions and impressions are based on location and proximity. Orientation may imply hierarchy, position, and prestige, or be the result of habits, traditions, and perceptions.

Susan C.Young

In America, when a man walks in front of a woman it may imply that they are not equals and he is exerting dominance over her, or being arrogant and rude. In a different culture, however, it may be presumed that he is someone worthy of profound respect and is protecting her by going first.

Susan C.Young

On a recent business trip, I reunited with a friend I had not seen in twenty years. After having a lovely lunch meeting, we came out of the restaurant to walk towards the parking lot. He automatically moved me to the inside of the sidewalk as he walked along the curbside. His orientational awareness illustrated a chivalrous gesture of protection and respect which impressed me greatly.

Susan C.Young

Our cultural lens is so much a part of us that we are not even aware of how obvious it is to others. Like the nose on your face, you may forget that it is there, but everyone else sees it. I can’t look at you and not see your nose.

Susan C.Young

Presenting “Mix, Mingle & Glow” in a social context is a lovely way to describe how you can make a great first impression by taking the initiative to help other people shine. Think of the times when you have attended an event where there were a lot of people.

Susan C.Young

ASK YOURSELF: Do you remember a gracious hostess, an engaging guest, or someone who worked the room like a honey bee in a flower garden? They would glide from one person to the next, spreading good will and cheer, being the glue that brought everyone together with ease.

Susan C.Young

By your practice of active listening, everyone involved benefits because you . . .•tare more engaged and engaging;•tdemonstrate that you are interested in others and what they have to say;•tmake others feel important, respected, understood, and appreciated; •timprove your memory and retention;•taffirm to others that you are an authentic, caring, and compassionate person;make a great first and last impression

Susan C.Young

If the skill of participatory listening came effortlessly and easy for everyone, there would not be so many misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, irritations, and frustrations.

Susan C.Young

Active listening is key to all healthy and effective communication, however, it doesn't necessarily come easily.

Susan C.Young

Through the years, I have heard that the average person speaks at about 150-160 words per minute, but can listen at a rate of about 1,000 words per minute. What is going on during all that extra mind time? •tOur minds are racing ahead and preparing for the next thing we are going to say.•tWe are preoccupied with other thoughts, priorities, and distractions.•tOur subconscious filters are thumbing through our database of memories, judgments, experiences, perspectives, and opinions to frame how we are going to interpret what we think someone is saying.

Susan C.Young

While active listening is crucial for optimal communication, we are faced with a dilemma which can perplex even the sincerest and engaged of individuals.

Susan C.Young

You can have the perfect message, but it may fall on deaf ears when the listener is not prepared or open to listening.These listening "planes" were first introduced by the American composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) as they pertain to music . . . 1.tThe Sensual Plane: You’re aware of the music, but not engaged enough to have an opinion or judge it.2.tThe Expressive Plane: You become more engaged by paying attention, finding meaning beyond the music, and noticing how it makes you feel.3.tThe Musical Plane: You listen to the music with complete presence, noticing the musical elements of melody, harmony, pitch, tempo, rhythm, and form.

Susan C.Young

When you become an actively engaged listener, you will develop the mindful awareness that active listening involves multiple layers and distinct levels.

Susan C.Young

To make matters even more complicated, research has shown that we remember only 25-50 percent of what we hear. This inclination not only compromises our connection with another person, but we can fail to retain vital information. All this evidence demonstrates that it is imperative that we intentionally pay closer attention and strive to become an in-depth listener.

Susan C.Young

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be a natural communicator and know exactly what, when, why, and how to speak so that your message is conveyed and received as you intend?

Susan C.Young

Communicating negatively (gossiping, bragging, bullying, and criticizing) can be disastrous to your reputation, cause you to lose the respect of others, and leave a terrible impression. Why leave this essential expertise up to chance when it can make or break the success of your relations?

Susan C.Young

The Art of Communication shares insights to help you communicate with a higher awareness and focused intention and meet people on their level to increase clarity and understanding.

Susan C.Young

When you begin conversations with confidence and listen attentively, you will become more flexible and adaptable in most any situation.

Susan C.Young

Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening at this very moment and being keenly aware of your surroundings and the people in it.

Susan C.Young

Whether your awareness is focused on your own emotions and perceptions or directed toward the preferences, needs, and feelings of others, being mindful (aware and attentive) will enable you to respond more appropriately.

Susan C.Young

This deliberate focus and sensitivity allow you to "put yourself in another person’s shoes and walk around a while" to better understand where they are coming from and what they are all about.

Susan C.Young

Mindfulness is a quiet strength and deeply rooted value which many other cultures understand and often practice better than we do. It can be puzzling to people from other countries as to why Americans are so task-driven and action-oriented.

Susan C.Young

Developing this ability instills a sixth sense for navigating human relationships with dignity, grace, and discretion, thus making an intentional and thoughtful first impression.

Susan C.Young

As Americans, we typically move full steam ahead without much regard to mindfulness or thoughtful reflection, often to one’s own detriment. Yet it is that same propensity for bold action which makes fulfilling the "American Dream" possible—where an immigrant can come to our country with nothing and achieve extraordinary things.

Susan C.Young

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Communication Skills Quotes - Page 6

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