Competent Communication

If I think about a person who demonstrates competent communication it would have to be my pastor. I see him in group settings and sometimes individually one on one and he is always the same. He listens as people are speaking, he doesn't interupt and when its time to respond he speaks slowly and carefully. I have seen him remain completely neutral during meetings. This has even made me wonder which side is he on? He is excellent communicating even with my two children ages 11 and 5. I like the fact that he listens first and foremost. That is one behavior he exhibits that makes him effective. The second thing he does is maintain constant eye contact. This is important to me when I am talking to someone because even if they are not paying attention, it makes me think they are. The third thing I like is he is a mediator. You can't ever seem to see him take any one side. This is an important behavior in communication because you want someone to be able to hear all sides of an issue and discuss the information without forcing their opinion down your throat. I especially would like to model these behaviors after him. I think of people that I have come across in my lifetime that were pushy and when you hold a conversation with them it was their way or no way, and people talk about them. It was in a negative way that people were talking about them. I don't want to be talked about in that way and sure wouldn't want my parents and families that I serve feel like I was that way. I want to be able to help support and encourage my families in their own beliefs and way of thinking not conform them to my world!