Conversation is a two-way street made better by a good communicator. Blogger Maia Stone shares five ways for you to communicate more effectively with other people.

While mutual respect and the Socratic method of finding answers are the dreams for most conversationalists, convincing someone to agree with your ideas is at times difficult, if not close to impossible. Contrary to what most people think, knowledge and expertise in the field you’re debating about isn’t your sole weapon in getting your point across in conversation. Here are some things to keep in mind to better communicate your thoughts.

Acknowledge Other People’s Ideas Before Responding
It is inevitable that sometimes, your judgment will be clouded with your ego. Maybe you have this constant need to be right all the time. Maybe you don’t like the idea that this pedantic and annoying person you’re talking to might have a better point than yours. Whatever it is, you must remember to acknowledge the idea first, analyze it, and then respond. You can, of course, agree to disagree but don’t do it unless you’ve already taken your time to see all sides of the story.

If you begin your explanation with “You’re wrong!”, chances are the person won’t listen to a word you say. You’ve completely debunked their idea so why should they listen to yours?

Be A Better Listener
There are some conversations where you feel like the other person is delivering a monologue while the other person is just there to absorb all the ideas that the other one gives. Not only is this counterproductive, but it is also extremely boring.

Don’t be so selfish and hoard all the speaking time. Take time to listen and take note of some points or chances where you can insert your ideas. People will pay more attention and will be more receptive to your ideas if you listen to them as well.

Meet People Halfway
If faced with disagreement, sometimes you immediately arrive at the conclusion that you’re on different sides, or you try to force them to see only your side. Often, it doesn’t work that way. The world is not as simple as black and white.

The worst thing you can do is to try to convert other people to change their minds to agree with your idea 100 percent. Try to find a common ground to build your conversations.

Give Out Compliments
Put your companions at ease and offer compliments while in conversation with them. Your ideas are more likely to be heard if they are in a good mood. When it’s your turn to explain your ideas, give out compliments, especially if you think they are excellent listeners or that they’re quick to follow your train of thought

Remember To Respect One Another
It’s okay to stand up for something without being disrespectful to others. While you’re fighting for your ideas, fight for other’s rights to speak their mind too.

Listen more and ask more questions. A horseman is superior to his stallion because he sees every possible path there is. The stallion only sees what its blinders allow it to. Look into the possibilities, make better decisions, and enjoy conversations with other people.

The original article was first published on the Art Of Being A Person blog.

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