Communication is an essential part of work and home life. Understanding how to be a good communicator can be an important productivity tool, one that’s frequently neglected. Poor communication can often have disastrous results; lost time, injured feelings, frustration, ineffective meetings, unproductive teamwork, resulting in a general lack of career advancement and goal achievement. To become effective communicators we need to be aware of a few fundamental tips we can use in our work and life interactions. Regardless of the situation, the same rules apply.

　　沟通是工作和生活中都必不可少的一部分。了解如何能更好地沟通可以极大地提高工作效率，但是这一点往往被人们所忽略。沟通不善经常会导致损失惨重；浪费时间、伤害感情、令人失望、会议无效、团队工作没有收获，结果是很难在职场晋升，也很难实现目标。要想有效地沟通，我们需要了解几个基本的沟通方法，把这些方法用在工作和生活的交往中。无论何种情况，这些规则都适用。

　　1. Show Appreciation

　　表示感谢

　　Prior to getting into the meat of your conversation, be sure to express your thanks for the other individual’s time. Time is an extremely precious resource, and it is important to be respectful and considerate of that. Also, complement or recognize any positive contribution they are making. Appreciation and praise can go a long way towards building good rapport.

　　在开始谈话之前，一定要向对方抽出时间和你谈话表示感谢。时间是非常宝贵的资源，能意识到这一点并表示敬意是非常重要的。另外，对他人做出的贡献要给予认可并加以赞美。欣赏和赞美对建立融洽的关系有很大帮助。

　　2. Connect

　　建立联系

　　Connect on a personal level if possible. Look for places where interests overlap if any exist. Even in a professional situation, there may be some personal interests in common, hobbies, sports, children, etc. Take care to avoid such controversial topics as political leanings or religious beliefs. A real sense of connection makes a difference in the tone and outcome of the current conversation and most likely future communications as well.

　　有可能的话和他人建立私交。看一下你们是否有相同的兴趣。即使是专业人士，也会有一些相同的兴趣和业务爱好，如体育爱好、育儿等。要注意避免如政治倾向或宗教信仰等有争议性的话题。建立私交后，谈话的语气和结果都会变得不同，未来的交流也可能有所不同。

　　3. Stay positive

　　保持积极的心态

　　Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial to productive communications. Be constructive rather than negative or complaining. People shut down, effectively ending any real communication when they feel attacked or criticized. Be encouraging and kind even when expressing concerns or displeasure.

　　要想有效地沟通，保持积极的心态至关重要。要给出建设性的建议，而不是负面的批评或者抱怨。当人们觉得受到攻击或批评时，就会断绝联系不进行任何真正沟通。即使是表达忧虑或不悦时也要友善待人、振奋人心。

　　4. Watch tone

　　注意语调

　　While it’s sometimes necessary to be assertive in order to make your point, don’t be aggressive. There is a fine line between the two. Try not to cross it. An adversarial tone is not in any way productive. Be confident and direct, while still adopting a calm, cooperative tone.

　　虽然有时在陈述自己观点时要显得自信，但是不要咄咄逼人。这两者之间有着细微的界限，不要越界。对抗性的语调不会有任何好的 结果。要自信而率直，并保持沉着合作的语调。





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