Mar 7, 2024
Many of us confuse speaking or giving information with communication. We confuse saying what's on our minds with effectively communicating.
Our words can create images and evoke emotions in others and even in ourselves, so it is important that we learn to use them right.
Whether it be in personal relationships or professional relationships, effective communication can often be challenging, leading to success or becoming the trigger for conflict and failure.
Here are some helpful tips to make communication more effective, thereby smoothening out those rough edges:
Express Yourself Clearly: This is certainly a learned skill that gets better with practice. Be honest and direct about your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Use "I" statements to convey your emotions without blame or accusations.
Active Listening: Give your undivided attention when people are speaking to you. Listen not just to respond but to genuinely understand their perspective, taking note of both verbal and nonverbal cues.
Show Empathy: Try to see things from the person's point of view. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their experiences, even if you don't necessarily agree with them.
Be Respectful: Treat people with respect, even when you disagree with their viewpoint. Avoid derogatory language.
Be Open to Feedback: Be willing to receive feedback from others, knowing that you do not possess all knowledge. See it as a growth opportunity and avoid all defensiveness. Focus on understanding their perspective.
Communication is only said to have happened when the other person has understood your viewpoint or the information you are passing across.
Effective Communication is neither a contest nor an opportunity for exerting strength over another. The proper use of words can impact thoughts, emotions, and actions; inspiring greatness or crushing spirits. Let us learn to use the power of our words to shape reality positively. This is effective communication. For more clarity on how you can effectively communicate, book a discovery call a and let's work together to bridge that skill gap.