For some of us, communicating face-to-face with others comes naturally, and is actually enjoyable. For the rest of us, it can be a tedious task fraught with insecurity, fear of judgement, and frustration. 

As it turns out, none of these negative emotions are necessary when it comes to communicating, and if you’re the type of person to experience them, there are very simple ways to go about gaining all the confidence you need to communicate masterfully. 

• Let Other People Do Most of The Talking
  It can be nerve wracking to think it’s your job to lead a conversation, but the good news is that it never is. Most people enjoy talking about themselves--their stories, their wants, their needs--and they will deeply appreciate you sitting back to let them do so. If the conversation naturally moves onto the subject of you, go ahead and talk for a bit, but then redirect it back to the other person. Giving somebody the gift of free-reign self-expression will earn you a warm place in their mind. 
   
• Give Compliments and Praise Whenever Possible
  Whoever you’re talking to will become more invested in the conversation and more likely to feel a connection with you if you offer a compliment or praise them during a conversation. This is not to say you should go overboard thinking up nice things to say. Instead, all you need to do is point out something positive when you see it or when it comes to mind.
  For example, if the person you’re speaking with says something along the lines of, “I’m so excited to be with my family over the holidays”, you might reply with, “It’s great how much you value family, I really admire you for that.” Keep in mind that your compliments and praise should always be honest. People can tell when you’re being fake, and then this communication technique will have the complete reverse effect. Remember, when communicating, authenticity is always key. 
   
• Call Them by Their Name
  In his famous book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie wrote that, “a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” In the minds of most people, they are the center of the universe. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just how the human mind is programmed. When you’re speaking to somebody and use their name as often as it makes sense to do so, they will feel respected and validated. They will feel that you think they’re important, which will encourage them to open up to you, remember you, and ultimately file you in their minds as an important person. 

When considering these three simple communication tips, the fear of saying the wrong thing or making a fool of oneself goes out the window. When communicating, what you say isn’t among the most important factors. What really matters is how you listen, how you validate, and how you make the other person feel.