As a law enforcement officer, about how many people do you talk to a day? Fifty? One hundred? Maybe more? You communicate with your fellow officers, the higher ups, detectives, criminals and suspects, not to mention your family members, non-officer friends, the woman taking your breakfast order and the man selling you gloves. That’s a lot of different people!
Your success as an officer, a leader and a person relies on your ability to communicate effectively with these individuals. All the ambition, intelligence and courage in the world won’t help you get ahead if you can’t connect with others. Communication may not come naturally to you, but with a little practice you can master this tool.
Here are three easy steps toward improving your communication skills:
1. Listen to others with excitement. Stay engaged in the conversation and keep your energy high as you listen to the speaker. Your companion will sense your energy and enthusiasm and it will encourage him to stay engaged as well. By being excited about others, you inspire them to seek you out for conversation because they LIKE how you make them feel.
2. Demonstrate your acceptance by telling others exactly what you admire about them. Do you appreciate the way your fellow officer remembers everyone’s birthday or the way your wife can smooth over even the most awkward situation? Let them know!
3. Mirror your companions’ body language to let them know you are on the same page. When two people are getting along they mirror each other unconsciously. You can use that bit of knowledge to your advantage and mirror your companions proactively. If they lean forward, you may lean forward. If they cross their arms, cross yours as well.