Golden Rules of Communication - Tip #1

Golden Rules of Communication: 20 Trust Building Tips in the Age of Distraction

Be present. Listen. Really be with the other person. And yes, that means not checking your smart phone when you’re in conversation with someone. In fact, a study published in the journal Environment and Behavior psmag.com/navigation/nature-and-technology/presence-smart-phone-lowers-quality-person-conversations-85805/ suggests that you don’t have to be actively checking your phone for it to divide your attention. The study showed that … “the mere presence of a cell phone or smartphone can lessen the quality of an in-person conversation, lowering the amount of empathy that is exchanged between friends.” So, the next time you’re with someone face-to-face, put away that smart phone and experience a real connection. Remember Irv Kupcinet and his guests enjoying “the lively art of conversation?”

Noreen Kelly