Connecting with people can sometimes be challenging task, and in today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to connect well with others. We’re often too busy with our own lives to take the time to connect with others, or maybe they are too busy and preoccupied to connect. Building good human connections is essential for our happiness and well-being and can determine how strong our support circle is. While it may be difficult sometimes to connect, with a little bit of effort and a positive attitude, anyone can improve their ability to connect with others.
Connecting with people starts by learning how to actively listen to them. Active listening means paying attention to what the other person is saying and acknowledging their feelings and opinions. Instead of thinking about what you are going to say next, focus on the speaker’s words and show that you understand by asking questions and offering empathetic responses.
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective. When you show empathy, you create a safe space for the other person to express themselves and feel heard. You can demonstrate empathy by using phrases such as “I understand how you feel” or “That must have been really hard for you.”
People can sense when someone is not being genuine, and that can be a huge barrier to building a connection. Being authentic means being true to yourself and expressing your thoughts and feelings honestly. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability, as it can help create a sense of closeness and trust.
Also, using body language can be a powerful tool for communicating with others. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and nodding, can help establish a connection with the other person. On the other hand, negative body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding eye contact, can create a barrier between you and the other person.
Shared interests and experiences can help create a sense of connection between people. Look for common ground and use it as a starting point for conversation. This can be anything from a shared hobby to a similar life experience, and in try to make a connection this way. Distractions can be a problem and it can be tempting to check your phone or multitask during conversations. However, being present in the moment is crucial when talking with other people. Put away your distractions and give the other person your full attention.
After a conversation or meeting, it’s always a good idea to follow up with the other person to show that you value the connection. This could be as simple as sending a text or email to say thank you or asking how they are doing. It can be a powerful reminder that you were listening and valued their interaction and time.
Connecting with people requires effort and intentionality, but it is a valuable skill that can enhance both personal and professional relationships. By practicing active listening, showing empathy, being authentic, using positive body language, finding common ground, being present, and following up, anyone can improve their ability to connect with others.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (PGDICP) is a counselling psychology course accredited by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). The part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology programme focuses on developing and enhancing experiential knowledge and skills through a holistic approach. Some of the subjects covered include Counselling Children, Addiction Intervention, Crisis Intervention, and Family Therapy. - ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
Advanced Diploma in Counselling Psychology (ADICP) trains students to apply appropriate counselling skills in different situations while understanding their underlying theories. The ADICP programme introduces students to the nature of psychology and relates it to the theories and concepts of counselling. Students move on to explore themselves in order to promote personal growth and self-awareness, acquiring the key attributes of a competent counsellor and the proper methods of applying those skills. - DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
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