The World Revolves Around Good Communication Skills – Dr. William Lane

How can one practice better face-to-face communication?

In today’s world of communication technologies, that question is something we should all be asking ourselves, whether we are on the autism spectrum or not. As the world continues to grow more connected electronically, strong communication skills are easy to forget about, yet are still essential for success.

Having assisted many clients with varying degrees of communication skills, education consultant and self-advocate Dr. William Lane knows firsthand that it is necessary for us to be aware of how we practice daily communication, especially in such a technology-saturated world. Below, Dr. Lane shares a few strategies he uses himself, and with other individuals on the spectrum, to improve face-to-face interactions in an era of convenient technology:

The first step is wanting to listen to what the speaker was saying. When wanting to listen, you pay close attention to what the speaker is saying; not only with your mind but also with your facial expressions and body language. When someone is speaking, it is necessary that you provide the speaker with clues of your interest in continuing the conversation. A few examples of facial and body language that are conducive to promoting future conversation are good posture, leaning forward, arms and legs uncrossed, smiling, and having your head up.
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