The Covid19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of connecting with others for our mental well-being.
As a doctor, part of my job involves having conversations with lots of people I may not have met before. I try to help people feel comfortable enough to tell me what is really troubling them.
My five tips on initiating and having a good conversation are:
Smile and make eye contact
Remember that some people ask “how are you” to say hello. Asking it a second time signals that you really are asking how someone is.
Take the time to really listen and let someone know that they have been heard.
I like to check my understanding of what I have heard. Is it actually what someone was trying to tell me? Playing back your understanding of what has been said can help develop a shared understanding of what is being discussed.
Be curious. Asking a direct question with curiosity helps show that you really mean it and want to help.
Connections are important for our mental well-being. There are lots of different ways to have a conversation. Why not try messaging someone if you are worried about having a conversation on the telephone?
GenXGP 