The following may help with building and maintaining personal relationships and connections, which will help support good communication (and mental health).
- Acknowledge the contribution and points of view of others by nodding, gesturing and verbalising that you have heard them and can see their point.
- Admit when you do not know the answer or have made a mistake.
- Ask the other person open questions, e.g., how can I help?
- Follow through on commitments by agreed deadline.
- If you agree or disagree, openly say so and why with consideration.
- Lean forward with hands open and arms and legs uncrossed to show interest.
- Listen carefully, then paraphrase the other person’s sentences to check whether you have understood.
- Look at the person as much as possible.
- Provide constructive and compassionate feedback.
- Respect others’ right to complete their thought before you interrupt to say what you want to say.
- Respond to enquiries promptly.
- Show genuine empathy.
- Smile (when appropriate).
- Stick to facts.
- Use the other person’s name early in the conversation.