SHERRY HOLLIMAN (cont.)

If you are an influencer, you should always concentrate on your voice tone, body language, and be a good listener. Remind yourself that negative body language will cause the other person’s message to be refused, such as crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, or tapping your feet or an object. You don’t have to agree with, or even like what’s being said, but to communicate effectively and not put the other person on the defensive, it’s important to avoid sending negative vibes.

Also, sometimes when you are communicating with others, you may often find yourself focusing on what you should say. However, effective communication is less about talking and more about listening. Listening well means not just understanding the words or the information being communicated, but also understanding the message the speaker is trying to convey.

When you are engaged with what’s being said you will hear the subtle intonations in someone’s voice that can tell you how that person is feeling and the emotions they are trying to communicate. As an effective communicator, always be the engaged listener, not only will you better understand the other person, you’ll also make that person feel heard and understood, which can help build a stronger, deeper connection between you.

By communicating in this way, you will help to achieve a positive outcome for the situation or matter of concern. You must always understand your audience and that everyone communicates differently.

But at the end of day effective conversation will rule the nation.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.