Communication is a necessity of life. Someone who can effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings is better equipped for success both on the job and in personal relationships. Effective communication is much more than being able to talk; it is also the ability to listen and understand others, to “read” and interpret body language and to know the best ways to get our points across. To be a better speaker: • Be considerate. Don’t dominate the conversation by talking only about yourself. Use questions to probe the person’s feelings or opinions on the topic of conversation. • Speak clearly. Don’t mumble or talk in the opposite direction of the listener. Also, use words that you know the listener might understand. • Stay focused on the conversation. Doing something else while you are talking, such as typing or working on a car, sends a message to the listener that you don’t think the conversation is worthy of your full attention, and it could inhibit the listener’s response