Some people are just better communicators.  We know them when we meet them. They quickly build rapport with almost anyone they encounter.  They are likeable and their ideas get attention.  What is it that these people know or do?

Great communicators intuitively know the two keys to easy, effective communication:

I. Adapt your communication style to what is most comfortable and acceptable to your audience.  This doesn't mean changing your opinions or the content of what you say.  It does mean observing other people carefully to understand how they are most comfortable receiving information, what senses they rely on (or ignore), and how they respond to positive and negative situations. 

II. Seek to give, first. That means great communicators are careful to learn the needs, concerns, interests of the other person first, before focusing on what the other person can do for them.  They also use their understanding of others' communications preferences to create a positive experience that benefits both people.