Improve communication skills with NLP

The importance of good communication is probably one of the life skills we all need to live through.Talking with friends, collaborating with coworkers, or interacting with strangers are all possibilities.You’ve worked very hard, but you feel that you just can’t seem to get your message across, or worse, it seems that people are missing the point. Sharing thoughts with someone else can be a struggle at times if they struggle to understand and respond in  the same thought process. You are in luck now. Today, we will explore Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a powerful instrument that can greatly improve your communication skills.
And guess what? You don’t have to be some sort of pro at using NLP. Even if you’re just getting started on learning about it, by the end of this blog, you’ll learn some easy, applicable NLP techniques you can start applying right now to enhance how you communicate. Ready? Let’s get started!

 What is NLP?

NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. By seeing this name you may feel that it’s very complicated.Right?Then the answer is no.

• Neuro : as the name sys this deals with how we think and how our brains work.
• Linguistic : It is that in which the focus is on language, and how we speak to one another such as the  words, tone, body language.
• Programming : This refers to the  patterns of behavior or habits that we develop. 

In a nutshell, NLP is the way of understanding how our thoughts, language, and behaviors work . It is like that we are having a user manual for better communication and relationships with other people. The best part? It is applicable to anyone. That is not any kind of special training needed!

Why do we have to use NLP for Communication?

Imagine the way you would feel if you could speak with more ease of expression, listen better, and guide the conversation in the proper direction. Well, that’s exactly what NLP can do for you. Using NLP can enhance your communication skills to become more natural, attractive, and interesting, whether you are chatting over wine, presenting, or resolving disputes.
Now that you have a grasp on what NLP does? Let’s proceed to explore some simple NLP techniques that can enhance your communication skills. Here are simple tips that will guide you through daily life practice.

1. Building Rapport

Ever met someone that you just click with? You’re on the same wavelength. That’s called rapport. Building rapport is one of the most important NLP skills to be able to communicate powerfully.

Now you think how do you build rapport?

• Mirror the other person’s body language. If they are sitting calmly you can be, if they’re enthusiastic and energetic, join their energy.
• Observe their voice tone. If they talk softly, avoid speaking loudly. If they’re excited, demonstrate the same level of excitement in your response.
• Employ the same linguistic habits. If they use simple words, don’t show off your rich vocabulary. 

This creates an atmosphere of being heard and understood by the other person. The person will make minimal effort to respond because they feel the need to be heard has been understood.
We all are tempted to half-listen, generally hearing what the person has to say but thinking of how we can respond. NLP advocates for active listening, where you would focus completely on the speaker-not just the words said, but the emotions behind them and also the tone and body language.

Now you think how can you get the skill of active listening. Right? Here’s how you can practice active listening:

• Make eye contact and not to show that you are listening.
• Summarize what they have said to check your understanding. That is to say, “So you are saying that.”
• Pay attention to their body language: are they beaming, scowling, or worried? This can be an indication of their feeling

The more you listen actively, the more the person will feel that you value them and have taken time to learn what they really communicate. This lightens the establishment of trust and smoothes the communication.

 2. Positive Talking

NLP emphasizes the power of words. The use of positive language can change the outcome of your conversations. Do not focus on problems but find solutions instead.
For example,

• Instead of stating, “This is hard,” say, “This is a big challenge, but I will figure it out.”
• Instead of expressing doubt about the success of this, express positivity by saying, “I am open to trying and gaining knowledge from the outcome.”
• By using optimistic language, you can establish a positive atmosphere for the conversation and inspire yourself and others with positivity.

It also includes some common techniques like reframing and anchoring.Lets discuss them also.Firstly, about the reframing.
All of us have been in conversations that seem to go nowhere or have a bad hint. NLP teaches the technique known as reframing by trying to change the focus from negative to positive.
Someone: “This is too tough. I can’t do this.” You could restate to them something like: “It is tough, but how much are you going to learn trying to tackle it!” Changing the focus to the situation shifts the conversation into a more positive solution-oriented manner.
Reframing does not dismiss problems , it frames things in a different way so that problems are perceived as opportunities for improvement or growth.
Now let’s discuss the other anchoring. Have you ever had that moment, when out of nowhere, you feel more confident, happier, or more relaxed? Anchoring is an NLP technique that helps you access these positive emotions at the right moment – especially during important conversations.

Now let me say you How to Use NLP in your Routine Conversations
Now that you have learned these techniques of NLP, you might ask, “How do I use this in real life?” Well, the good news is that you can start practicing right away!
Here are some easy ways to implement NLP into your daily dialogues:

1.  1. Active Listening: The next time you’re chatting with someone, listen completely to them. Look at their eyes, nod and repeat back what he or she is saying to show you understand.
2. 2. Building Rapport: Try mirroring the body language and tone of voice of someone with whom you are talking to. See if this makes it easier for you to connect.
3. 3. Change the Story in the Narrative: When you feel that the conversation has gone round in circles and has turned negative, change the focus by dwelling on some positives.
4. 4. Anchor Yourself before an Important Converse: If you are scared before attending a meeting or presentation, anchor on yourself and attract confidence and serenity.
5. 5. Talk with Positive Words: You make a conscious effort to choose positive words while talking. See how it changes your flow of conversation.

There is no reason why improving communication has to be a challenging process. With simple NLP techniques you can make conversations more effective and meaningful.
NLP gives you techniques to understand others better and express yourself in clearer terms both at work and in friendships or other relationships. So why not give it a go? With just a little practice, you’ll be amazed at how much NLP can transform the way you communicate more confident, empathetic and effective.