Want to Improve your Communication, Say what?

 

 

One of the most common mistakes in modern life, and no doubt throughout history, is a failure to communicate effectively. It is essential for strong connections to speak and tell things to another person.

Listening, hearing, and comprehending the message is an essential component of effective communication. Often, what is heard was not the messenger’s goal. As a result, we have apples and oranges rather than apples and apples.

 

Being able to communicate is perhaps one of the most crucial life skills. We learn to communicate with our parents or primary caregivers and mimic their communication style.

 

At its most basic, communication is the act of passing information from one person to another.

It can be delivered verbally (through speech), written (via printed or digital media such as books, magazines, websites, or emails), visually (via logos, maps, charts, or graphs), or non-verbally (using body language, gestures and the tone and pitch of voice). In actuality, it is frequently a mix of several of these.

 

Communication is a two-way street in which messages are sent and received. It is critical that both the sender and the recipient grasp the meaning of the words in the message communicated.

 

Otherwise, uncertainty and misunderstanding reign.

 

Paraphrasing is a basic verbal communication skill; this solution paraphrases for clarity.

Simply repeat what you heard back to the person. “What I overheard you say was_________.”

The messenger will either say, “Yes, that is what I said,” or “No, that is not what I said.” “No, I said_________,” for example. The message will then be restated and clarified until they are both on the same page.

 

It is critical for the message’s recipient to actively listen and respond appropriately, either by asking clarifying questions or providing further information or by offering support to the messenger.

Another example is interrupting the messenger when they are prompted by something mentioned. Once again, good communication is being overlooked and disrupted. Being interrupted or given incorrect responses causes the messenger to feel sabotaged and hesitant to engage with this person again. Feedback to the other individual may be appropriate in this scenario.

 

Listening is an essential part of good communication. The ability to be heard is critical for the messenger, who may be vulnerable when sharing thoughts or personal information. Active listening can be demonstrated through movements such as eye contact, nodding of the head, smiling, and so forth.

 

Maintain your focus on the message and answer appropriately when they appear to be finished. In most cases, asking for more information will be greeted as an indication that you have been heard.

 

One of the most critical communication skills is the ability to provide feedback. It may be risky to inform the other person of the influence you are having, especially if you have been interrupted, but it may also be a wonderful experience.

 

“I feel frustrated when I tell you something personal and you move the subject away and insert an experience of yours,” feedback always begins with an “I” statement.

 

The key phrases are “I feel” and “when you.” This mode of communication avoids blaming or accusing the other of wrongdoing, which makes the other feel defensive, but it supports being receptive to hearing the error, which is often an unconscious mode of communication-based on previous habits learnt as a child. When a person is defensive, he or she loses the ability to hear and be willing to change.

 

Nonverbal communication methods are outside the subject of this article, yet they are significant ways to send and receive information.

 

When competing points of view dominate in a relationship, conflict resolution can be difficult but important.

 

Set some ground rules next. I urge that each individual set aside time to communicate without interruption and that the other person attentively listens, even taking notes if both agree. I recommend 5 minutes for each. This will bring various disagreements to the surface, and the next stage is to agree on which ones to work on jointly, use the communication skills mentioned above, paraphrasing, “I” statements, and feedback.

 

Negotiate a conclusion that will satisfy both parties and put the subject to rest. Any promises made must, of course, be kept.

 

We all add something new to any relationship. Good communication skills can enhance and lead to a mutually beneficial relationship by providing positive abilities for resolving disputes and sharing experiences.

 

I highly advocate beginning to teach good communication skills in kindergarten and continuing through each school level. Such classes should be as vital as reading, writing, and arithmetic in the curriculum.

Poor communication is the root reason for broken relationships not only in families but also in international connections. Language obstacles are difficult, but transmitting ideas, treaties, and agreements are all crucial to healthy diplomatic relations between states.

Positive and effective communication has been disregarded for far too long as a key means of not just sharing who we are, but also getting to know and respecting others. If we had greater communication abilities, the world would be a better place and our relationships would be better.